The National Memorial For Peace and Justice

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I was born in Montgomery, Alabama on Maxwell AFB.  It was in 1963 I entered the world.   Visiting family annually is a usual tradition for me and I make it a point to take in a few of the sites when back to my hometown.  The city had begun a restorative process a few years back showcasing its rich history.   These are a proud people in a new generation wanting to bring truth to light.   The National Memorial for Peace and Justice does that and is quite sobering.

While home in Seattle (where I have lived for 25 years) , I had the radio on NPR and the discussion centered around Montgomery, Alabama’s new museum The National Memorial for Peace and Justice .  Its opening coincided with my upcoming trip so I put it on my radar to check it out.  Montgomery, Alabama is a spread out city of rich history, strong values (maybe not yours), and a welcoming people.

While on the second leg of my trip from Atlanta to Montgomery , I had the pleasure to sit next to a cardiologist considering a move to the city.  We talked of its robust history and what living in this area might be like for him.  He was a young gentleman from Pakistan originally .  He asked me questions about the city that I warmly answered and I asked him questions how I should control my blood pressure.  Fair trade I thought.

When we landed we said our farewells, but our conversation made me think about how misunderstood a place could be if not fully understood from a time in history (that we can not fathom) until today.  It is only natural it identify a place to its history.  Montgomery is more than that. Much more.  If you drive though the south, consider a stop over to downtown and see history.  If you are history buff as myself, you will have a hard time with just one day.  Get a hotel room and stay two.  I am repeating in my top spots to call ahead in advance for museum hours.  You do not want to come to the area to be disappointed  because they are closed.

Top spots to check out:

  1.  Do a walking tour of downtown and get a layout of the landscape of the city.
  2.  Walk in the Union Station and check out the Riverwalk.
  3.   Buy tickets for the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.  It is $10.
  4.   This is for two museums.  It will take you at least 2 hours to see each one.
  5.   Take in the Rosa Parks Museum and make sure to call a head for times open.
  6.   Parking is very cheap.
  7.   The Alley has great places to eat.

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10 thoughts on “The National Memorial For Peace and Justice”

  1. Jane Fritz

    OK, I’ll bite. Aside from a robust history (some of which is pretty uncomfortable for some people), what would it be like for a professional person of Pakistani origin in Montgomery? In other parts of Alabama? I know, it’s an unfair question and undoubtedly a complex answer. Sorry, Alesia!

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    1. alesiablogs Post author

      He moved to the USA several years ago with family and was already living in the south. I actually discouraged him at first until I understood more about him. Both of his parents are physicians and there is a growing number of folks from other countries moving to the south because the need is so great and for young doctors especially with specialities as himself. I think also he will be doing more work here at the beginning than in bigger cities. Living in Seattle is ideal, but very expensive! Alabama is cheap. Jane- this is a place I lived from 12-25 so I have many memories.

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  4. thehistorytourist

    My husband and I visited Montgomery a couple of years ago and loved it. We only have one day and one night to visit, but it whetted our appetites enough that we’ll definitely go back, when we have more time to spend. And now that the Peace and Justice memorial is there, we’ll make sure that it’s sometime soon.

    I’m glad that you encouraged the doctor to give Montgomery a fair chance. Despite it’s history, it seems large enough and cosmopolitan enough to welcome a diverse population. And while there may be some risk, if people don’t take a chance, changes will never happen.

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    1. alesiablogs Post author

      I am glad to hear it. You will not be disappointed. Glad to hear from you. I have been so busy with my massive genealogy research project that I have shared very little on here. I need to really start back..

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