Walk 4 Peace: the back story

#walk4peace: July 4, 2020 - Aug 11, 2020, Birmingham, AL. to Sandusky, OH.

Total miles covered; 300 miles walked; 185 miles ridden by bike; 78 drive miles (un-walkable point to point).

Part 1

The back story

Walk4Peace20 started as a concept in the summer of 2019. Politics, and the state of affairs, in the United States was so dismal under the current administration that I tweeted that I would walk across the U.S. in protest. A close friend from high school saw this tweet and stated, if I did the walk, she would walk with me. I then put together a plan of action. At the time, because of my job, I had no idea how this would manifest itself in regards to time, and cost. I just knew in my heart, that it was possible, and it was my calling.

I contacted another friend who works in radio, and asked if she would help promote the walk, in the hopes of gaining media traction.. and funding. Although I had no idea how much something like this would cost, I did understand that it would take more than my vehicle and a couple of my friends who had some free time. I also know the power of social media and how things gain momentum with the right voices.

Over the course of the next few months, a few things coincidentally happened. I flew to Portugal to meet some college friends for an annual, international meetup - this was the catalyst for action on my part, regardless of any outside support. This group, my tribe, supports each other in such a manner that any, and all of us, at any given time, could rule the world with the positive energy and support we give freely to one another. When I returned from Portugal in February, Coronavirus, or Covid-19, was rapidly becoming the biggest health crisis in the history of the world at a breakneck pace. The world was going into quarantine. Meanwhile, the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Elijah McClain were making headlines as each week another unarmed Black person was being killed at the hands of the police. The world was literally on fire. I knew the time to take action was "now". I needed to make a statement, as a woman of color, and as a parent. It was time for me to display my personal accountability and stand up for our rights as citizens, to stand up for civil rights as humans, and as an American. 

 

Then, I lost my job. My initial request to take some unpaid, personal time off was responded to with a generous severance package and "Best wishes". At this point, I had absolutely nothing holding me back.

I set the start date, and began the search for an RV to buy, or rent, as a safety vehicle. I rallied my friends together as volunteers to drive the vehicle, a week at a time, and requested various people along the route to possibly host me one night so I could get a shower, and maybe a hot meal. This was the most difficult task, because we were in the midst of a full blown pandemic. But, my friends showed up. As did my family members on my fathers side. All educators and activists, they understood the journey I was on, and I think, on some level, realized I was going to do it with or without anyone’s help. No one can change the world without action, and it is rare to change a corrupt system without help. I will never be able to repay my friends who stood next to me during this seven week journey. It showed their belief in our shared values, but also their trust in me to be successful and stand up for what is right in the world. 

I designed a press release and statement of purpose. I reached out to every civil rights office and media outlet between my home town and my goal city. I wanted to get the word out about what I was planning and have people join me interactively along the way. It was more of a social media campaign that people could watch from the comfort and safety of their couch yet still feel like they were participating. Only a couple of news outlets responded, and surprisingly, not one civil rights organization responded at all.

My walk 4 peace was a singular statement at best, until people in every town I walked through started asking me what I was doing. The feedback was positive. Every person that asked, and waited for an answer, gave positive feedback and encouragement. Strangers reached out over the course of the seven weeks with questions, and to check on me. Confirming again and again that we are all connected, and we all want the best for our communities.

I now look at some of the "firsts" organizations, like MADD, and acknowledge what the rest of the world must have thought when the first mom and her friends were standing up for what they believed in, and fought for change.

Civil rights are human rights. Our kids lives matter.

There are so many levels as to what happened, and the order in which it happened, all equally important, but the most important being, no matter what happened, I just kept going. When one person told me no, another stepped up almost immediately. When the RV seller turned out to be a con-woman trying to sell a vehicle she had no right to sell, a rental became available. When I simply got so tired and emotionally drained that I questioned my sanity and wanted to give up, I would receive a sign, or two from the universe urging me to continue on. From the organization, and the preparation, to the monetary gifts, to the strangers that kept encouraging me, to the last week of one foot in front of the other until I reached my goal.

This is my story...

#walk4peace

IG @walk4peace20

Twitter @walk_20

walk4peace2020.com

**Shoutout to Hilton hotels, who housed myself and my drivers/ friends for over half of this journey. Your commitment to sanitary conditions during this pandemic gave me peace of mind and safe housing during what could have been a terrifying experience. Also, your point system rocks and I couldn't have afforded to stay at the end of my trip without your Hilton honors program. Fact.

I was treated with kindness and respect at every location (no matter how dirty I was, and with all my crap (bikes, cooler, bandaged feet). Requests for early check ins and too much ice were given freely.

I have been a loyal member for many years and no hotel will lure me away after this trip. Respect.

The Secrets of Amsterdam

Ever since I was a teenager, I have been torn between visiting Amsterdam (and not). The stereotypes of the red light district, and being able to smoke weed, or hash, in public had me terrified. What kind of wild version of my parallel life was this? First impressions from propaganda and third hand stories were too much for my naive mind to comprehend.

traditional windmill

So, down the bucket list it went, getting bumped by destinations like Florence and Rome, Vancouver and Montreal, Copenhagen and Bali. Hell, even Thailand somehow made it on the list before Amsterdam. After visiting so many places that I knew nothing about, I somehow raised my travel bravery bar. I decided it was time to see what all the hubbub was about.

I am so glad I did.


Amsterdam is one of the most outgoing, inviting, international cities I have ever visited. Men and women alike, stopped to talk to me, smiled and even asked me questions. Faces like mine; all shades of human - many shades of multi-ethnic mix. It is beautiful. The men are extremely friendly, on the verge of flirtatious, but I try to never mistake common hospitality for flirtation. Although very much welcomed, from someone accustomed to brushing down busy streets surrounded by people not making eye contact, or receiving a sneer in lieu of a morning smile or a genuine, "good morning." Here, the train conductors are happy to smile, and say, "Good morning Beauty, what can I help you with?"
Not only did the little girl from the midwest find it utterly charming, even the east coast cynic in me had to smile and just take the compliment...and the assistance.

museum district

There is so much to do in Amsterdam, let's start there. The museums, the canals, the tours, the historic architecture - these are all just the beginning of what the canal city has to offer locals and tourists alike. Parks, and art are bountiful in this city. I was able to see the work of Banksy at the MOCO, a quite diverse selection of works at the Van Gogh museum, and the historic Anne Frank House. Before you go, please note some of these museums require reservations and ticketing far in advance, so be prepared for disappointment if you do not do your research and plan ahead.
The prostitution museum is also quite famous. You can find discounted tickets to this exhibit at most of the hotels.
I like to utilize the hop on hop off bus/ boat system to visit as many of the cities attractions as possible in a succinct manner. There are always things on the tour I know nothing about and I am happy to learn.




The well known components of Amsterdam like prostitution and marijuana aren't as "in your face" and offensive as you would believe (by American standards). Amsterdam has a come as you are attitude, and doesn't push who they are on you. Oh, but you want it. You want to inhale it all, because it is magnificent.
The bars and restaurants are very European, almost with a Parisian cafe air, but with German styled sausage and beers. Fries, cheese and local meats define the delicious tastes found in most eateries here. You can find international fare of all types as well as you travel down the winding side streets and canal lined avenues.

There is a natural social ambiance which lends itself to a sense of unity and community living. One of my favorite moments in Amsterdam was standing on the canal watching a man in a rowboat in a yellow rain jacket play the trumpet while a church bell nearby responded to the tune. All while it rained and an audience of probably 200 people stood and enjoyed the musical dialogue. This interaction gifted me my biggest smile the entire trip.

Watch out for the bicyclists. In the spirit of NYC bike couriers, they are everywhere. They will run you down, then curse you out for not watching where you are going. There are areas of downtown where you must be so careful entering and exiting buildings and crossing the street. There are dedicated bike lanes everywhere.  It is quite apparent that most visitors are not used to this, and do not know how to accommodate.

IAmsterdam

The foodie revolution is in full swing in Amsterdam. Like the rest of the world, top tier tastes and flavors have mutated all over the city. I had great food at my hotel, as well as downtown. Even the bar food I tasted was well above par. International favorites and local cuisine alike were both above standard.

Trendy bars such as Icebar combine tourism and chilled liquor in a friendly and unique atmosphere that even impressed me. They even provide coats, gloves and hats to enter into the arctic back room bar where the frozen shot glasses are kept. The Heineken brewery is also a big tourist favorite. I did not visit the brewery, but the canal stop is a busy intersection of the city where many locals and tourists meet and gather for socializing.

Amsterdam has all the qualities of a great international city. It is livable and walk-able, and most certainly bike-able, but overall has the vibe of a down to earth culture of individuals who just live and let live. It is remarkably simple, and they get it. The art scene is magnificent, and they do a grand job of highlighting the historic value of the city. IAmsterdam is a slogan I can relate to.