Our trip to Richmond, Virginia was amazing. We were able to get a tour of the Slave Trail and the American Civil War Museum; both of them were very interesting. The mission of the Slave Trail is to raise awareness and informational accuracy about Richmond’s role in the slave trade. When we arrived, we walked along the trail as our tour guide explained to us the conditions and hardships of slaves during that period. While his explanation was going on, he was able to include us in an activity. This activity consisted of everyone holding hands; one hand up front and the other one back and walking together along the trail without talking. This was a very difficult activity because the whole time we had to look down to make sure we didn’t trip or fall. Being in that situation made us feel powerless and inferior to others, which made us understand more of how the slaves felt. During this activity we were really able to capture the importance of knowing what occur throughout the Slave Trail.
The next day, we all had the opportunity to see the beautiful campus that the University of Richmond had to offer. Richmond University was definitely one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen. There, we also got the chance to meet with other Bonner scholars. It was interesting to see how many things we all had in common. We were able to visit their sites and learn about their responsibilities. This trip definitely brought us together as a class and it was because of our belief in community service.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sophomore Bonner Virginia Trip
First and Foremost, I wanted to take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks and a token of my appreciation to Pat Donuhue, Giametta Giancarlo, Rich Wilson, and especially the one and only Sejour Stephens for helping make this amazing trip possible. The trip not only helped me get to know better my fellow Bonner classmates but it also enriched me with knowledge regarding one of our country’s past times and gave me a different perspective in viewing the Civil War. Despite being such a short trip, I still gained a lot of insight about Richmond and it’s historic slave story.
Before traveling to Richmond, I imagined that the whole purpose of this trip was only to observe and recollect information we already knew; however, I took with me more than just information. What I took away from this trip was a new comprehensive outlook on slavery and how it affected Richmond’s history. I began to notice this when we first went to the Historic Slave Trail Tour. Our tour guide, the humorous and quirky Ralph, helped us see how slaves came to Richmond and how they were sold and used for a growing business. We were given the chance to be put in the same situation the slaves were when they first arrived to the Americas. Ralph had all of us traverse across a part of the slave trail by being constrained to one another simply by holding hands or grabbing on to each other’s shoulders. This helped me see how difficult it was just trying to move as a slave. It was difficult to keep up when we were held together and I can only imagine how much more difficult it would have been if we were actually cuffed and shackled in chains with little clothing.
Slaves who decided to rebel were later punished and imprisoned in a place called Lumpkin’s Jail. The jail, which sat upon a half acre of land known as "Devil's Half Acre," was the largest slave trade site outside of New Orleans before it was liberated during the Civil War in the 1800's. Robert Lumpkin was the owner of Lumpkin's Jail, a two-story brick house with barbed windows, and where hundreds of thousands of slaves were housed as they brought into the country and sold to slave owners. Like I said before, it was also a prison where rebellious slaves were whipped and held in a heated room filled with excrement and filth. Slaves were also slapped with wooden boards with holes inside in order to create large blisters. Unexpectedly, Lumpkin eventually fell in love with one of his slaves, Mary, whom he freed and married and left the property to when he died. Ironically enough, she later leased it to a man who began teaching freed blacks and that school grew into what became Virginia Union University today. The tour ended with Ralph telling us that races have tried to hide the past; however, the past will continue to exist until people understand the gruesome history that they have left behind.
The next day, we all had the opportunity to see the beautiful campus that the University of Richmond had to offer. Its 350 acres of colorful trees, open lawns, red brick collegiate gothic style buildings, rolling hills, and Westhampton Lake definitely make it one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen. There, we also got the chance to meet with other Bonner scholars. It was interesting to see how many things we all had in common. Nonetheless, I believe that the thing that really brought us together was our belief in community service. It was our enthusiasm for volunteering that really helped us appreciate the different sites they helped volunteer at. What intrigued me was that the sites they showed us that they had a good background in medicine. We visited and EMT squad/cadet program and a hospital where two of the sites have been at. It was interesting to see that people in their Bonner program learned a lot about complex material such as science. For example, one of the Bonners was a business major and he still knew how to operate under an EMT program, something drastically different than his area of concentration.
Later that day, we were also given the chance to have a tour of the American Civil War Center. The exhibit presents the story of the Civil War, its causes, course, and its legacies from the viewpoints of Unionists, Confederates, and African Americans -- the war's three main participant groups. It was interesting to see the different perspectives of the three groups because they were fighting for something they passionately believed in. I observed that the central tragedy, the great irony of the war, is that all three groups were fighting for the legacy of the American Revolution, but they profoundly disagreed about what that legacy was. This was made known to me when I saw how hard each of the three groups tried to uphold the foundation of their beliefs. The history behind each story was just enormous and I was definitely impressed by the amount of depth we all carry within our races.
Overall the trip was an amazing experience that gave me a more comprehensive perspective of the Civil War. Not only did I learn but I also shared this experience with a great group of people. I hope there are more journeys like this to come because this trip was definitely one to remember. I will always cherish the bond with the new friends I made. Again, I thank those people who made all this possible. Thank you Bonner.
-Randolph Portugal
Before traveling to Richmond, I imagined that the whole purpose of this trip was only to observe and recollect information we already knew; however, I took with me more than just information. What I took away from this trip was a new comprehensive outlook on slavery and how it affected Richmond’s history. I began to notice this when we first went to the Historic Slave Trail Tour. Our tour guide, the humorous and quirky Ralph, helped us see how slaves came to Richmond and how they were sold and used for a growing business. We were given the chance to be put in the same situation the slaves were when they first arrived to the Americas. Ralph had all of us traverse across a part of the slave trail by being constrained to one another simply by holding hands or grabbing on to each other’s shoulders. This helped me see how difficult it was just trying to move as a slave. It was difficult to keep up when we were held together and I can only imagine how much more difficult it would have been if we were actually cuffed and shackled in chains with little clothing.
Slaves who decided to rebel were later punished and imprisoned in a place called Lumpkin’s Jail. The jail, which sat upon a half acre of land known as "Devil's Half Acre," was the largest slave trade site outside of New Orleans before it was liberated during the Civil War in the 1800's. Robert Lumpkin was the owner of Lumpkin's Jail, a two-story brick house with barbed windows, and where hundreds of thousands of slaves were housed as they brought into the country and sold to slave owners. Like I said before, it was also a prison where rebellious slaves were whipped and held in a heated room filled with excrement and filth. Slaves were also slapped with wooden boards with holes inside in order to create large blisters. Unexpectedly, Lumpkin eventually fell in love with one of his slaves, Mary, whom he freed and married and left the property to when he died. Ironically enough, she later leased it to a man who began teaching freed blacks and that school grew into what became Virginia Union University today. The tour ended with Ralph telling us that races have tried to hide the past; however, the past will continue to exist until people understand the gruesome history that they have left behind.
The next day, we all had the opportunity to see the beautiful campus that the University of Richmond had to offer. Its 350 acres of colorful trees, open lawns, red brick collegiate gothic style buildings, rolling hills, and Westhampton Lake definitely make it one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen. There, we also got the chance to meet with other Bonner scholars. It was interesting to see how many things we all had in common. Nonetheless, I believe that the thing that really brought us together was our belief in community service. It was our enthusiasm for volunteering that really helped us appreciate the different sites they helped volunteer at. What intrigued me was that the sites they showed us that they had a good background in medicine. We visited and EMT squad/cadet program and a hospital where two of the sites have been at. It was interesting to see that people in their Bonner program learned a lot about complex material such as science. For example, one of the Bonners was a business major and he still knew how to operate under an EMT program, something drastically different than his area of concentration.
Later that day, we were also given the chance to have a tour of the American Civil War Center. The exhibit presents the story of the Civil War, its causes, course, and its legacies from the viewpoints of Unionists, Confederates, and African Americans -- the war's three main participant groups. It was interesting to see the different perspectives of the three groups because they were fighting for something they passionately believed in. I observed that the central tragedy, the great irony of the war, is that all three groups were fighting for the legacy of the American Revolution, but they profoundly disagreed about what that legacy was. This was made known to me when I saw how hard each of the three groups tried to uphold the foundation of their beliefs. The history behind each story was just enormous and I was definitely impressed by the amount of depth we all carry within our races.
Overall the trip was an amazing experience that gave me a more comprehensive perspective of the Civil War. Not only did I learn but I also shared this experience with a great group of people. I hope there are more journeys like this to come because this trip was definitely one to remember. I will always cherish the bond with the new friends I made. Again, I thank those people who made all this possible. Thank you Bonner.
-Randolph Portugal
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
My experience in VA
There is nothing like stepping in the shoes of your ancestors and going where they have been, seeing some of what they saw, and feeling what they felt. My sophomore trip to Richmond, VA brought this experience to life when we visited a historic slave trade site. Instead of listening to someone speak the terrible experiences the slaves underwent when being captivated by the Caucasian Americans, we lived it. We were told to place ourselves in bondage and follow the orders of the leader by linking up hand in hand in a line with the follow tourists. Our right to speak was taken away from us and we could not break the bonds, for they represented chains that wereused to keep the slaves in confinement. We moved from the boating dock area where the slaves where millions of slaves were dropped off to the inland area where plantations were placed. This walk was somewhat difficult for some of us because we couldn't scratch ourselves, pick up what had been dropped from our pockets, and for some, simply keep up with the group. My contemplation during this nearly led me to tears with the frustrating thought that my great grandparents had done this very thing, and walked in this way on this very ground, and under much harsher circumstances. The hatred that was directed towards my ancestors and towards me till this very day is very disturbing and is not understandable to me.
Afterwards, we visited a place where slaves were sold and a slave jail. Once again, distraught feelings were provoked as I imagined my ancestors going into those locations and being put under those situations. It was very saddening to see. I couldn't bear to see what I had known to be true visually come to life, even though it wasn't in its entirety.
The next day, we visited the Civil War museum. It was a great learning experience and I loved the beautiful sites we got to see. Although I know that the Civil War was not fought for the freedom of slaves, I do very much appreciate the outcome of it, and the fact that Lincoln used freeing slaves as a tactic to win the war. If this had not occurred, I may very well be not alive to see this beautiful day, or I may very well be in chains.
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to reconnect with my acestors past and history.
-Victoria Thompson
Afterwards, we visited a place where slaves were sold and a slave jail. Once again, distraught feelings were provoked as I imagined my ancestors going into those locations and being put under those situations. It was very saddening to see. I couldn't bear to see what I had known to be true visually come to life, even though it wasn't in its entirety.
The next day, we visited the Civil War museum. It was a great learning experience and I loved the beautiful sites we got to see. Although I know that the Civil War was not fought for the freedom of slaves, I do very much appreciate the outcome of it, and the fact that Lincoln used freeing slaves as a tactic to win the war. If this had not occurred, I may very well be not alive to see this beautiful day, or I may very well be in chains.
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to reconnect with my acestors past and history.
-Victoria Thompson
Sophmore Class Trip 2010
THANKS to everyone (Pat, Sejour, G, and Rich) who made this trip possible. Due to your hard work and commitment the sophomore trip was a success. I am very appreciative of the opportunity I was given to attend this trip. Having the chance to learn more about American history and connect with my Bonner classmates was great. I believe the sophomore class trip to Richmond, VA was a very informative and rewarding experience.
Our first experience started when we participated on a slave trail tour. The tour guide, Ralph, was very sincere and enthusiastic because of his interest in the history I was able to remain engaged throughout the tour. Learning about the slave trade in Virginia and how it was rooted and grounded in Richmond was emotional. To be on the actual sites that salves were forced to work under captivity left me astonished. Throughout the time we spent at this site Ralph encouraged us to do certain activities so we could experience a small inkling of what the slaves went through. During most of these activities I felt powerless to both society and to myself. Shortly after this Ralph described the way slaves were treated in jail. He was brutally honest with us and emphasized the pain and the suffering the slave endured during that time. When talking about the jailed slaves he explained how they were beaten, whipped, and tormented until they experienced blistering pain.
On Sunday, we meet with three Bonners Scholars from the Richmond University. They generously welcomed from the start. We started the day by having breakfast together. During breakfast they were eager to know us and our Bonner program. We spent time learn more about them and their school as well. After eating they then took use to their The Bonner sites and explained what they do. They seemed really engaged in their sites and most importantly they are making an impact in their community.
Our last activity was the Civil War Museum. During this tour we were able to observe some impressive displays and learn what they meant to the city of Richmond. Our tour guide Dan was very knowledgeable and energetic. I believe one of our Bonner took something from the tour. There was an incredible museum exhibit that allowed us to read historical facts and observe touching images.
As a result of this trip I have learned some very important facts about history and has created a closer bond with my Bonner graduating Class. I truly believe because of this trip the sophomores who attended have created a bond that can not be taking away. I was thankful that I was given this opportunity to attend this trip and I Look forward to Next year’s Junior Trip.
-ALBERT
Our first experience started when we participated on a slave trail tour. The tour guide, Ralph, was very sincere and enthusiastic because of his interest in the history I was able to remain engaged throughout the tour. Learning about the slave trade in Virginia and how it was rooted and grounded in Richmond was emotional. To be on the actual sites that salves were forced to work under captivity left me astonished. Throughout the time we spent at this site Ralph encouraged us to do certain activities so we could experience a small inkling of what the slaves went through. During most of these activities I felt powerless to both society and to myself. Shortly after this Ralph described the way slaves were treated in jail. He was brutally honest with us and emphasized the pain and the suffering the slave endured during that time. When talking about the jailed slaves he explained how they were beaten, whipped, and tormented until they experienced blistering pain.
On Sunday, we meet with three Bonners Scholars from the Richmond University. They generously welcomed from the start. We started the day by having breakfast together. During breakfast they were eager to know us and our Bonner program. We spent time learn more about them and their school as well. After eating they then took use to their The Bonner sites and explained what they do. They seemed really engaged in their sites and most importantly they are making an impact in their community.
Our last activity was the Civil War Museum. During this tour we were able to observe some impressive displays and learn what they meant to the city of Richmond. Our tour guide Dan was very knowledgeable and energetic. I believe one of our Bonner took something from the tour. There was an incredible museum exhibit that allowed us to read historical facts and observe touching images.
As a result of this trip I have learned some very important facts about history and has created a closer bond with my Bonner graduating Class. I truly believe because of this trip the sophomores who attended have created a bond that can not be taking away. I was thankful that I was given this opportunity to attend this trip and I Look forward to Next year’s Junior Trip.
-ALBERT
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Bonner Bonding
I would like to start by thanking everyone who made this trip possible; your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. The sophomore class trip to Richmond, VA was an eye-opening and rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about American history while simultaneously bonding with classmates.
After making the six hour trek to Virginia, we began our trip by participating on a slave trail tour. The tour guide, Ralph, was incredibly enthusiastic and made the experience genuine and interesting. On the tour, we had the opportunity to learn about the history of slave trade in Virginia and its roots in Richmond. We saw places where slaves actually lived and worked many years ago. Ralph prompted us to complete an exercise where we had to walk in a line while holding the shoulders of the person in front of us. While this task may seem elementary, it is harder than one might think. Participating in this activity gave us the smallest glimpse of what everyday life was like for slaves who were forced to live without freedoms.
The next part of the tour was very emotional as we had the opportunity to go to the site of Lumpkin’s jail. Ralph explained the ways in which the slaves were tortured in the jail. His recount was graphic and disturbing as he described how the slaves were beaten with wooden paddles until they blistered on their behinds and once they blistered, they continued to be paddled until the blisters opened. Then the wounds were covered in salt. As Ralph explained the process, I felt sick to my stomach for those that had to endure this pain.
On Sunday morning, we had an opportunity to meet with three Bonners from the Richmond program. We began the day by sharing breakfast together and got to know more about them, their school, and their Bonner program. I am always interested in learning about other Bonner programs so I was grateful to have had the opportunity to talk to them. The Richmond Bonners then took us to their sites and explained what they do. I found each of their three sites very interesting and I can tell that they are all making a huge impact on their community.
Our next activity consisted of visiting the Civil War Museum. We had another excellent tour guide, Dan, whose enthusiasm and interest for the subject truly shined through in his tour. During this experience we were able to take part in a guided tour which afforded us the opportunity to learn from an expert and ask questions. Afterwards, we were able to wander through the museum exhibit. Each person was drawn to something different in the exhibit and this gave us a chance to reflect on our own.
Although this trip was an important educational experience, one of the most rewarding aspects for me was the opportunity to bond with other sophomore Bonners. Coming into the trip, I only knew six of the ten other students who were attending. By the end of the experience, all of the students and staff members had formed a close bond. I am truly grateful that I had the chance to get to know these amazing individuals. Each has something unique and important to bring to the table. The sophomore class trip to Richmond, VA was an amazing experience and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend.
Alyssa Brent
After making the six hour trek to Virginia, we began our trip by participating on a slave trail tour. The tour guide, Ralph, was incredibly enthusiastic and made the experience genuine and interesting. On the tour, we had the opportunity to learn about the history of slave trade in Virginia and its roots in Richmond. We saw places where slaves actually lived and worked many years ago. Ralph prompted us to complete an exercise where we had to walk in a line while holding the shoulders of the person in front of us. While this task may seem elementary, it is harder than one might think. Participating in this activity gave us the smallest glimpse of what everyday life was like for slaves who were forced to live without freedoms.
The next part of the tour was very emotional as we had the opportunity to go to the site of Lumpkin’s jail. Ralph explained the ways in which the slaves were tortured in the jail. His recount was graphic and disturbing as he described how the slaves were beaten with wooden paddles until they blistered on their behinds and once they blistered, they continued to be paddled until the blisters opened. Then the wounds were covered in salt. As Ralph explained the process, I felt sick to my stomach for those that had to endure this pain.
On Sunday morning, we had an opportunity to meet with three Bonners from the Richmond program. We began the day by sharing breakfast together and got to know more about them, their school, and their Bonner program. I am always interested in learning about other Bonner programs so I was grateful to have had the opportunity to talk to them. The Richmond Bonners then took us to their sites and explained what they do. I found each of their three sites very interesting and I can tell that they are all making a huge impact on their community.
Our next activity consisted of visiting the Civil War Museum. We had another excellent tour guide, Dan, whose enthusiasm and interest for the subject truly shined through in his tour. During this experience we were able to take part in a guided tour which afforded us the opportunity to learn from an expert and ask questions. Afterwards, we were able to wander through the museum exhibit. Each person was drawn to something different in the exhibit and this gave us a chance to reflect on our own.
Although this trip was an important educational experience, one of the most rewarding aspects for me was the opportunity to bond with other sophomore Bonners. Coming into the trip, I only knew six of the ten other students who were attending. By the end of the experience, all of the students and staff members had formed a close bond. I am truly grateful that I had the chance to get to know these amazing individuals. Each has something unique and important to bring to the table. The sophomore class trip to Richmond, VA was an amazing experience and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend.
Alyssa Brent
Bonners take on Richmond
The sophomore trip to Richmond, VA was loads of fun and educational. Sunday, we had the opportunity to meet three Bonner Scholars from the University of Richmond- the largest Bonner program in the country. Each student took us to his or her site, one of which was a hospital in downtown Richmond. As a nursing student, I was especially interested in the service opportunities at this site, such as providing support to patients' families and loved ones. After we departed U of R, the group headed for a tour of the canals at the American Civil War Center. I learned a great deal about how the island was a strategic asset to the Confederacy during the Civil War. Our tour guide, Dan, informed us that Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy because it was only about 100 miles away from the Union capital, and our nation's capital today, Washington D.C. Personally, the Richmond trip was an incredible opportunity to get to know my fellow classmates. Throughout the year we are all spread out at our respective sites and do not get to spend as much time together as we would like to develop as a class. I look forward to next year's adventure! Thank you to all who made this trip possible, Cate Moore
Monday, March 22, 2010
My Great time in VA
I want to first thank Pat, Sejour, G, and Rich, and the rest of the staff for making this trip possible. I truly enjoyed this trip and probably will never forget it. This trip has made me realize that many, many, people who are my ancestors paved the way for me in order for me to be here right now. This trip has made me appreciate life, my loved ones, my service, and everything else. I am truly grateful that I am a part of a community of people who want to be the change the world needs. And also with the progam, it has gotten us to travel to places to see how different things in life impact us.
When I was going on this trip, I thought that it would be about history and just facts thrown at us so that I can hear the same things that my professors have said and read in the textbooks. This was not the case.
We first arrived to the Slave Trail tour which was an eye opener and also a HUGE humbling experience. We saw the different things that slaves had to endure which is beyond comprehension. First we saw the lake/river that the slaves sailed on and brought on land boat. It was amazing to know that I was right there where slaves saw their homes for the first time after leaving their native land. We then traveled through the actual trails that the slaves had to walk through. We did an exercise where we had to walk hand in hand then hand on the person in front shoulders and walk as if we were the slaves. This made me tear a little. I realized that these people were treated like products and nothing more and this is what they had to endure for 200 years. I thought that "this could have been me". Then we went to another site where the prison was located. On our way to the prison stop, our tour guide Ralph, showed us an old house that was used for auctioning slaves. He pointed out that it was to be made into an apartment building later on this year, which will be interesting to see because I don't know who would want to live in a place like that.
The next day we went to see the Bonners from University of Richmond, which is such a BEAUTIFUL campus. They showed us each of their sites. I was especially intrigued with one of the sites that helps kids from thrid world countries with surgery that they may need. This really touched me since I was born and raised for five years in a third world country. And I also enjoyed the other site where they went to the hospital that helps children during their time of sickness. Many people forget that medicine is more than science and also about the care and easing the patient throughout the process. This was also another favorite of mine. I am very interested in urban/global health so I thought that the sites were incredible!
We then went to the Civil War tour which helped me understand what people went through when the nation was fighting one another. I really think this helped me understand that people had to go through hell in order to have the kind of world that we live in. Although it is not perfect, it is FAR from that era that they lived in.
This experience also left with a bond with some of my classmates. Since this is my first year in the program, I had a chance to really talk to some of the people I don't usually talk to. They are great people! I had a chance to talk to some people and understand more about them and their sites. We had MANY, MANY laughs and I thought this made it even better because I love to laugh. This experience has also made me break out of my shell. I admit that I used to stick to my race/ethnicity but after this trip and really understanding my peers, I realize that there are awesome people everywhere! It has made me become closer to some people, get to know some, and really understand some too. I would do this all over again and cannot wait for the next class trip! This is one of the reasons why I love being part of this org. It has gotten me to see places outside my city and change my perspective on different subjects and people. It has shown me that change is bigger than what I envision it to be but what people as a whole can envision and then act together on.
When I was going on this trip, I thought that it would be about history and just facts thrown at us so that I can hear the same things that my professors have said and read in the textbooks. This was not the case.
We first arrived to the Slave Trail tour which was an eye opener and also a HUGE humbling experience. We saw the different things that slaves had to endure which is beyond comprehension. First we saw the lake/river that the slaves sailed on and brought on land boat. It was amazing to know that I was right there where slaves saw their homes for the first time after leaving their native land. We then traveled through the actual trails that the slaves had to walk through. We did an exercise where we had to walk hand in hand then hand on the person in front shoulders and walk as if we were the slaves. This made me tear a little. I realized that these people were treated like products and nothing more and this is what they had to endure for 200 years. I thought that "this could have been me". Then we went to another site where the prison was located. On our way to the prison stop, our tour guide Ralph, showed us an old house that was used for auctioning slaves. He pointed out that it was to be made into an apartment building later on this year, which will be interesting to see because I don't know who would want to live in a place like that.
The next day we went to see the Bonners from University of Richmond, which is such a BEAUTIFUL campus. They showed us each of their sites. I was especially intrigued with one of the sites that helps kids from thrid world countries with surgery that they may need. This really touched me since I was born and raised for five years in a third world country. And I also enjoyed the other site where they went to the hospital that helps children during their time of sickness. Many people forget that medicine is more than science and also about the care and easing the patient throughout the process. This was also another favorite of mine. I am very interested in urban/global health so I thought that the sites were incredible!
We then went to the Civil War tour which helped me understand what people went through when the nation was fighting one another. I really think this helped me understand that people had to go through hell in order to have the kind of world that we live in. Although it is not perfect, it is FAR from that era that they lived in.
This experience also left with a bond with some of my classmates. Since this is my first year in the program, I had a chance to really talk to some of the people I don't usually talk to. They are great people! I had a chance to talk to some people and understand more about them and their sites. We had MANY, MANY laughs and I thought this made it even better because I love to laugh. This experience has also made me break out of my shell. I admit that I used to stick to my race/ethnicity but after this trip and really understanding my peers, I realize that there are awesome people everywhere! It has made me become closer to some people, get to know some, and really understand some too. I would do this all over again and cannot wait for the next class trip! This is one of the reasons why I love being part of this org. It has gotten me to see places outside my city and change my perspective on different subjects and people. It has shown me that change is bigger than what I envision it to be but what people as a whole can envision and then act together on.
The Sophomores Head to Richmond, VA
Prior to commenting on my particular experience in Richmond, I would like to take this opportunity to all of those who made this trip happen. I can honestly say that it is a memory of my sophomore year that I will keep close at heart.
On the first day we visited a slave trail. The reason behind this recognized site is not because of the number of slaves in Richmond, but the number of slaves that were sold. Our tour guide named Ralph was deeply enthusiastic and passionate about slavery, which I felt added a lot of power to the tour. I was aware that when slaves were transported they were chained together on the bottom of the deck and forced to remain in those quarters for up to 3 months at a time. They were not to use a bathroom and had to expel their feces where they were stationed. This thought was replanted in my mind as Ralph mentioned their grueling journey just to reach Richmond. I could not imagine not seeing sunlight, being trapped underneath a ship with a horrid stench and dying bodies around me--that was only the beginning.
Once the slaves got to Richmond, the 2/3rds that lived were to be fed and cleaned up in order to be presentable when sold. I was unaware that the punishment that these slaves received was so sneaky. Slaves in Richmond, as opposed to ones in Africa for example, were not whipped. The reason behind this was because when they went up to be sold, they needed to remove their shirts and appear in good condition to be sold at maximum value. Therefore, when being punished, slaves were to drop their trousers and were beaten with a wooden paddle with holes in it until their bottoms blistered. Then they were beaten until all of the blisters popped, and were rubbed down with salt water. This thought still makes my stomach churn.
As we moved away from the trail and on to see Lumpkin's Jail where the slaves were kept, the whole picture came together in my mind. The land was solely outlined in rocks of what had once been this jail, but visuals had been recreated to display what it had looked like. I could not believe that the parking lot we were standing on had once been filled with such injustice.
On the second day, we visited the University of Richmond and met with some of the Bonner Scholars from their program. I was surprised to find out that their school was one of the largest Bonner schools in America with 100 members. We spent the morning getting to know these students and about their particular service projects. It was such an amazing feeling to recognize the connection that I had with these three individuals because of service.
Lastly, we visited the Civil War Museum. On our tour, we learned a lot about the architectural makeup of Richmond during the Civil War and got to see a collection of pictures, quotations, video clips, war props, and many more incredible items which all told the story of our Civil War. This is a memory that I will never forget.
In sum, the trip was awesome. I reconnected with staff members and classmates that I had lost touch with, learned new information about my country's history and the Civil War, and got to interact with students that were changing the world just as we are at TCNJ. I am so grateful for this experience--it will stay with me far past the close of my Bonner career.
Ashley Covello (:
On the first day we visited a slave trail. The reason behind this recognized site is not because of the number of slaves in Richmond, but the number of slaves that were sold. Our tour guide named Ralph was deeply enthusiastic and passionate about slavery, which I felt added a lot of power to the tour. I was aware that when slaves were transported they were chained together on the bottom of the deck and forced to remain in those quarters for up to 3 months at a time. They were not to use a bathroom and had to expel their feces where they were stationed. This thought was replanted in my mind as Ralph mentioned their grueling journey just to reach Richmond. I could not imagine not seeing sunlight, being trapped underneath a ship with a horrid stench and dying bodies around me--that was only the beginning.
Once the slaves got to Richmond, the 2/3rds that lived were to be fed and cleaned up in order to be presentable when sold. I was unaware that the punishment that these slaves received was so sneaky. Slaves in Richmond, as opposed to ones in Africa for example, were not whipped. The reason behind this was because when they went up to be sold, they needed to remove their shirts and appear in good condition to be sold at maximum value. Therefore, when being punished, slaves were to drop their trousers and were beaten with a wooden paddle with holes in it until their bottoms blistered. Then they were beaten until all of the blisters popped, and were rubbed down with salt water. This thought still makes my stomach churn.
As we moved away from the trail and on to see Lumpkin's Jail where the slaves were kept, the whole picture came together in my mind. The land was solely outlined in rocks of what had once been this jail, but visuals had been recreated to display what it had looked like. I could not believe that the parking lot we were standing on had once been filled with such injustice.
On the second day, we visited the University of Richmond and met with some of the Bonner Scholars from their program. I was surprised to find out that their school was one of the largest Bonner schools in America with 100 members. We spent the morning getting to know these students and about their particular service projects. It was such an amazing feeling to recognize the connection that I had with these three individuals because of service.
Lastly, we visited the Civil War Museum. On our tour, we learned a lot about the architectural makeup of Richmond during the Civil War and got to see a collection of pictures, quotations, video clips, war props, and many more incredible items which all told the story of our Civil War. This is a memory that I will never forget.
In sum, the trip was awesome. I reconnected with staff members and classmates that I had lost touch with, learned new information about my country's history and the Civil War, and got to interact with students that were changing the world just as we are at TCNJ. I am so grateful for this experience--it will stay with me far past the close of my Bonner career.
Ashley Covello (:
An eye opening
This weekend has been so amazing that I do not know where to start. First and foremost, I would like to thank Pat Donuhue, Giametta Giancarlo, Rich Wilson, and Sejour Stephens for making this trip possible. Their hard work really did paid off. The drive to Virginia was actually not bad. I didn’t know I was one of the drivers until that morning, but I made the best out of it. This trip has not only changed my views about a lot of things, but has also given me the chance to get closer to my sophomore class mates. Our first stop was the Historic Slave Trial. It was a very interesting experience. I learned so much through the different exercises that was done as a group, which makes me realize our hard our ancestors work for us to have the things we have now. They did not have it easy. Waking up day by day, not knowing where you are, not knowing if you will survive to the next day is really hard. Mothers did not have it easy. A mother’s strength and motivation is to see their child have a bright future. But mothers that were slaves did not have it like that. They were sold and were separated from their husband and children.
The American Civil war center was also one of the places where we stop and took a tour. The first section of the exhibit focuses on the causes of the conflict, beginning with ideas, tensions, and compromises evident at the nation’s founding. One thing I took from this tour is that in 1787, at the Constitutional Convention, the crucial compromise to preserve the Union going forward was the Northern delegate’s acceptance of the continuation of slavery. History will always be history. But getting the opportunity to see the history at site, just feels different. It gives you a humble feeling to relax and just reflect upon what took place during that specific time.
Meeting the three Bonners from University of Richmond was also a good experience. Not only did we talk and interact, but they were happy to just have us on their campus. One thing that surprise me is that their undergraduate students are only three thousand. For a big school, I was expecting more than that. The campus is very beautiful.
To sum everything up, this weekend was definitely the best. I took a lot from it, and will keep this knowledge and information with me forever.
Richard Osei
The American Civil war center was also one of the places where we stop and took a tour. The first section of the exhibit focuses on the causes of the conflict, beginning with ideas, tensions, and compromises evident at the nation’s founding. One thing I took from this tour is that in 1787, at the Constitutional Convention, the crucial compromise to preserve the Union going forward was the Northern delegate’s acceptance of the continuation of slavery. History will always be history. But getting the opportunity to see the history at site, just feels different. It gives you a humble feeling to relax and just reflect upon what took place during that specific time.
Meeting the three Bonners from University of Richmond was also a good experience. Not only did we talk and interact, but they were happy to just have us on their campus. One thing that surprise me is that their undergraduate students are only three thousand. For a big school, I was expecting more than that. The campus is very beautiful.
To sum everything up, this weekend was definitely the best. I took a lot from it, and will keep this knowledge and information with me forever.
Richard Osei
A Great First Experience
As my first Bonner trip, I was initially excited about the Richmond trip and getting to delve more deeply into all the history of the Civil War and meeting the Richmond Bonners. This Richmond trip did not disappoint.
Firstly, I'd like to say thank you to Sejour, Pat, Rich Wilson and G for all the work that they put into this trip. Also, a thank you to Albert and Rich Osei for driving that long drive! I really appreciate it!!
The Historic Slave Trail was a real eye opener. So often we hear about the injustices of slavery and oppression in our text books but to actually be on the site where so many human beings experienced so much pain was incredibly moving.
After some information about Manchester, we went through a series of sensitization exercises 
in which we walked a portion of the trail linked together so as to simulate being bound together during the walk. Many of the crowd expressed how horrible it made them feel to be degraded and to have their control taken away even if it was just for a couple of minutes. To be forced to withstand even worse treatment and walk the entire trail is something that is just so difficult for many of us to wrap our heads around.
We ended the tour of the slave trail with a drive to Lumpkin's Jail, previously popularl
y known as "The Devil's Half Acre," a fitting name . The jail housed thousands of slaves who were punished in the most degrading and inhumane ways possible. It was so heartbreaking to absorb all the graphic details of the atrocities that took place on that site.
At the American Civil War Center, we were given some more information on the Civil War and were able to look at a lot of different exhibits and biographies that really illustrated the war in such colorful detail. It just seemed to house this richness of information that allowed me, personally, to understand the impact that this war had on so many lives.
I think it's important for students to be able to have these experiences because there is so much that we really cannot begin to comprehend and just reading from a text book does not explain the half of it. I feel very fortunate to have been able to absorb all of this for myself.
We also met the Richmond Bonners who were extremely friendly and welcoming. It was interesting to hear their experiences. It was fascinating to hear not only a different perspective, but to also see how much in common we had. As college students, it is sometimes so easy to become comfortable living on this campus in a little safe bubble. However, I think that the Bonner program is so vital because it introduces students to important social causes, teaching them the vital lesson that there is so much more that we need to learn and there is so much more we need to do as a community to help the people around us. This world is so much bigger than ourselves but we can play a role in helping to make it a better place.
Moreover, I feel like I bonded with many of the sophomore Bonners who I hadn't really met before this trip. They are all really wonderful people and I am glad that this trip brought us together. :)
-Alaine Abuan
in which we walked a portion of the trail linked together so as to simulate being bound together during the walk. Many of the crowd expressed how horrible it made them feel to be degraded and to have their control taken away even if it was just for a couple of minutes. To be forced to withstand even worse treatment and walk the entire trail is something that is just so difficult for many of us to wrap our heads around.We ended the tour of the slave trail with a drive to Lumpkin's Jail, previously popularl
y known as "The Devil's Half Acre," a fitting name . The jail housed thousands of slaves who were punished in the most degrading and inhumane ways possible. It was so heartbreaking to absorb all the graphic details of the atrocities that took place on that site.At the American Civil War Center, we were given some more information on the Civil War and were able to look at a lot of different exhibits and biographies that really illustrated the war in such colorful detail. It just seemed to house this richness of information that allowed me, personally, to understand the impact that this war had on so many lives.
I think it's important for students to be able to have these experiences because there is so much that we really cannot begin to comprehend and just reading from a text book does not explain the half of it. I feel very fortunate to have been able to absorb all of this for myself.
We also met the Richmond Bonners who were extremely friendly and welcoming. It was interesting to hear their experiences. It was fascinating to hear not only a different perspective, but to also see how much in common we had. As college students, it is sometimes so easy to become comfortable living on this campus in a little safe bubble. However, I think that the Bonner program is so vital because it introduces students to important social causes, teaching them the vital lesson that there is so much more that we need to learn and there is so much more we need to do as a community to help the people around us. This world is so much bigger than ourselves but we can play a role in helping to make it a better place.
Moreover, I feel like I bonded with many of the sophomore Bonners who I hadn't really met before this trip. They are all really wonderful people and I am glad that this trip brought us together. :)
-Alaine Abuan
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