Study Abroad in AMERICA!

 

David McCullough Jr.  had an idea, and put it in action. Why would students go across the world when the could go across the country?  Now students can go to another part of the U.S. and experience life there!  Such a cool idea - watch and see how it is going.

Famous Oscar Speeches by African Americans!

 

I Love MOVIES!!!!  So I adore the OSCARS!!!  It is my Super Bowl Sunday!  This year the Oscars are on Sunday March 27th, and the hosts are Amy, Schumer, Wanda Sykes, and Regina King!  I am already so excited!  Here are some famous acceptance speeches from African American actors:

Spike Lee won his first Oscar for Black Klansmen

2019 Oscars

Henry Ford Museum

 

If you are ever in Detroit - GO HERE!!!!  I got to go in 2014, and it changed my life!  My BEST friend I was with wanted to go!  I put on my happy face!  But when I got there and realized they had famous vehicles!    I will never FORGET!!!  I turned the corner, and there it was Rosa Parks Bus!!!

The Henry Ford Museum bought the Rosa Parks Bus!

There was a worker sitting there, and they must have seen my excitement! The worker said I could sit in Rosa Parks' seat! What?! I was full-out history geeking out! I climbed into the bus and sat in her seat! I let that moment flood over me! I was loving it! Then, after what felt like 30 seconds, my friend said, while pointing at her watch on her wrist, "It's time to go!" I quickly told her, "No it's not!" I needed to soak it up for a little bit longer!

Then the museum worker told me I would want to sit in the seat over. I was perplexed and confused. Then the worker told me that President Obama visited the museum and sat in that seat! I quickly got up and sat in his seat!

If you want to experience history, go to this museum! It does not disappoint!

Civil Rights Museum in Memphis

 

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis!   They have turned that place in a Civil Rights Museum!  If you ever get a chance to go - GO!  I went in 2014 and I checked in on Facebook, and wrote I am on Sacred Ground!  Which you are!  They kept his hotel room exactly as is - so YOU can see what it looked like!

Martin Luther King Jr.'s room has it was left!

The FRONT of the hotel

The actual SPOT where it happened!

What do you love about Oklahoma?

Recently I asked my Oklahoma History Students what they love about Oklahoma?  I love Oklahoma, and especially Tulsa!  Tulsa is HOME!  I've been around the world, but Tulsa is my favorite city in the world!  When people say they are going to leave Tulsa, my heart cries a little. 

There are some GREAT things about Oklahoma!  Here is what they said:

Sports:

 

 

Weather

Will Rogers says about Oklahoma if you don't like the weather - wait a minute, it'll change.

 

We live in Tornado Alley

 

BTW

 

 

Family and Friends are Here

I get this!  I think this is the BIG reason I love Tulsa!  My whole family is here!

 

Me and My Sister





 

 



 

 

 

History of London

I loved this scene because I turned around, and there was Big Ben in the distance!  I had to take a photo!

Me in a London Phone Booth.  I had to take this photo because they are famous for their phone booths!

Me in front of the London Eye.  It is the coolest and most modern Ferris wheel.  It is crazy You don't feel your self moving, and you get the best view of London!

St. Paul's Cathedral.  There is the coolest story about this cathedral.  During WWII during the London Blitz a bomb never touched this cathedral.  The people of London saw it as a miracle!

London is getting a lot of attention right now with the Olympics - so below is a link to a website that tells you the history of London.  London is a wonderful place to visit.  I have been multiple times, and every time I experience something new.  I encourage everyone to go!

http://www.history.com/videos/bet-you-didnt-know-london

Looking For Our Roots

Today I was watching Jon Stewart, and was touched by his guest.  His guest was the head of Westminster Abbey in London.  He talked about what the Abbey means to the world.  What he said resonated so much.  It described how I feel about going to historical places. 

He said Americans go to the Abbey to look for their roots.  The Abbey is just not a holder of the English Civilization for Great Britain, but the whole English Speaking World.  As the head of the Abbey he said the best part is that he gets to live there.  The house he lives in is from the 13th Century.  Jon Stewart said our country's history is 240 years old - so that would make the Abbey our great, great, great, great, great grandfather.  I cannot imagine that much history!  America is so young compared to other places. 

The other impressive thing is everyone who is buried in the Abbey to Charles Dickens to Charles Darwin.  He talked about the inspiration that can come from walking among them.  All these great minds together!  I have been to the Abbey, and I will say it is inspirational to be in that space among that history!  It is crazy to believe that these famous people are buried there!  To think about all that they have done in their life time!

So if you get a chance to go to a historical place - go!  This is what makes history come alive and exciting!  Nothing beats going to the real place, and seeing it first hand.  I have been to Europe ten times, and every time I go to the Place de la Concorde in Paris I cannot help but think about the French Revolution.  It is where thousands were beheaded, or going to Rome and seeing where gladdiators fougt and died for entertainment.  I love history, and seeing it! 

One of the most amazing places I have been to is the beaches of Normandy.  It is such a sad place, and no one talks!  I don't think I could if I tried.  The day I went it was a beautiful sunshining day, but June 6, 1944 was a much different day.  I can't imagine storming those beaches under heavy gun fire.  When the guns went silent the beaches were red with blood.  In my head I kept saying thank you to all those men who sacrificed their lives that day.

That is why history is important!  It took blood, sweat, and tears to be where we are today!  We need to respect it and say thank you!

The Abbey

Place de la Concorde

Rome

Beaches of Normandy

Abraham Lincoln's Presidential Library

Everyone always asks me, "Who is your favorite president?"  I don't even have to think about it because I know - Abraham Lincoln!  I truly believe he was our greatest president.  He was president at the worst time - America's Civil War.  He was the right man for the job, and even during his lifetime people didn't understand him or his decisions.  A few times people demanded for his impeachment, but they couldn't see his wisdom. 

A few years ago I was visiting my grandmother, and she took me to Lincoln's Presidential Library.  WOW!!!  There are no words to describe it.  It got a multi-million dollar face lift, and is an amazing museum.  It's engaging and interactive.  The curator of the museum said he just didn't want things on the wall.  He wanted the public to interact with Lincoln's life.  And you do.  Since I can't say in words how fantastic it is - here are some of my pictures from that visit.

Me and Lincoln.  When you walk in - the room is a huge oval.  On one side is a log cabin representing his early life.  The other side is a huge replica of the white house depicting his time as president.

You can even take a picture with the Lincoln Family!  This is me with my sister and grandparents.  Behind us is the replica of the white house.

Here is the log cabin when you first walk in.

 

Next to the White House they have John Wilkes Booth just hanging out.  Of course he is the one who shot Lincoln - so Abbey is taking out all of our aggression!

I can't say nicer things about this museum - it is simply the best!  If you are ever in Springfield, Il you should go.  You won't regret it!!!  Here is their official website if you want to see more about the museum: Official website for Lincoln's Presidential Library