Corner of Beale and Rufus Thomas

What more could I say about Beale Street than these photos?  After wandering with a Guinness, BBQ and listenin' to the tightest, laziest blues I've ever heard I was tired and full to the brim with Memphis joy!

Sweet dreams all...Kat

National Civil Rights Centre-Memphis, TN

The National Civil Rights Centre is the site at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King was killed.  It is much more than that...it is a well organized, detailed account of slavery, emancipation, segregation and the civil rights movement.  The very bus Rosa Parks sat on refusing to give up her seat which sparked the Civil Rights Movement is inside along with many, many historical details and other artifacts from that incredible time in history.  

Today, part of the weekend commemorating 40 years since Dr. King passed, was heavy with emotion for most people I saw.  I didn't feel out of place being the only white skinned woman there (although I certainly noticed it as I am rarely in this situation)...instead I felt a part of something larger...a community of people who believe in civil rights and in a peaceful way of being in the world!  The energy was almost too much to hold and I could feel the room getting dark and my knees shaking.  (I truly thought I was going to pass out.)  The wall across from some 'grayish' manikins held me up until I could catch my breath.  I moved slightly and this woman standing near me let out a fairly loud peep, covered her mouth and said "oh my God, I thought you were one of those manikins so when you moved you just scared me girrrrl!".  We laughed like you wouldn't believe and I felt freer than I had been feeling.

My inner lightbulb all lit up and glowing I finally had some more answers in my questions about the dance between blues and gospel music.  Next stop...Beale Street...