“It’s been said by many writers that the wealthiest place in the world is the cemetery, because all the dreams, all the potential, all the possibilities are not realized. Isn’t that sad?” lamented Hillman on the porch of the African-American Museum.  “We’re here for a purpose. Why can’t there be more people like King”
As Negro Spirituals chimed from a stereo, Hillman takes a minute to express her thoughts on four Civil Rights posters hanging from the exterior walls of the museum. They are motivational posters, the ones you’d see in a history classroom with a snapshot of the Movement above a quote in white text on a black background. These are scenes that teach the generations removed from that era the sobering reality and extent of a vast struggle. For others, they are a not forgotten  and ever present memory.  
Three children drenched by pressure hoses on a street corner, the water puncturing and bruising the skin of their lower backs as they cry in pain.
“Freedom is not free. Never was never has been. Never will be,” Hillman said. “They had gotten tired of being sick and tired of what was going around them. The racism, the beat downs.”
Three separate entrances to a bathroom facility, one for each gender and, as if placing blacks in a category of inhuman , one labeled “colored.” Above the picture reads “1962,” only 50 years ago.
“They knew change was not going to come by osmosis. You had to actively pursue it,” Hillman said. “It is an awesome period that these men and women sacrificed to accomplish for us. They did it on our behalf.”
Thousands of people gathering for King’s 1963 Freedom March on D.C. and then a shot of a solitary King staring pensively out his jail cell.

story and photos by kathryn schiliro

MCAAM to use copies of Ebony covers as centerpieces for Civil Rights Movement display

Oftentimes, publications of the day are the best preservers of history.

by kathryn schiliro • photos contributed by dave belton

Pilot, Buckhead resident and BOE member Dave Belton visits an orphanage in Peru to lend a hand and ends up gaining perspective

story compiled by kathryn schiliro • photo by angelina bellebuono

MCHS students remember what they accomplished over their last major school holiday

photos by m. prochaska and a. bellebuono

The city of madison hosts the annual Christmas holiday parade and  lighting of Madison’s great Christmas tree   

Madison’s annual Christmas parade delighted attendees of all ages Saturday afternoon.  Complete with marching band, daschunds, and even Santa and family, the day was resplendent and filled with joy.  Merry Christmas, Morgan County!

Printed in the December 15, 2011 edition