My journey to the National Civil Rights Museum | Russell Wigginton | TEDxUIUC

Summary of YouTube Video Transcript

Key Concepts:

• National Civil Rights Museum
• Head and Heart Collision
• William Russell Wigington Senior (Great-Grandfather)
• Red Cap (Louisville and Nashville Railroad)
• Oscar Mayer
• Purpose vs. Career
• Both Sides of the Tracks: African American Railroad Workers from World War I to World War II
• Legacy and Obligation

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene:

The speaker begins by describing his daily observation of visitors approaching the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. He notes the reverence people display upon seeing the balcony where King was shot, regardless of their background. He refers to the museum experience as a "head and heart collision," implying both intellectual and emotional impact.

2. The Question of "How Did I Get Here?":

The speaker reflects on his own journey to becoming the president of the National Civil Rights Museum. While a linear view of his career (sales, marketing, PhD in history, strategy development, management, fundraising) might seem logical, he emphasizes the less obvious, more profound influences that shaped his path.

3. William Russell Wigington Senior: The Great-Grandfather's Influence:

• The speaker introduces his great-grandfather, William Russell Wigington Senior, a red cap for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.
• Despite the stereotypical image of red caps as older, subservient black men, Wigington was a homeowner, supported his wife, and sent his three children to college, even though he was born just a couple years after Plessy vs. Ferguson.
• He also had a ceramic shop in his basement, where the speaker witnessed his dedication and craftsmanship.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding something you want to give that kind of care and attention to.

4. Early Career at Oscar Mayer:

• After graduating with a history degree, the speaker worked in sales and marketing for Oscar Mayer, including riding in the Wienermobile.
• He recounts an experience in the Mississippi Delta where his presence as a young black sales representative in a white shirt and tie caused a stir in a grocery store.
• He describes meeting "Bob," a store owner who initially tested him but later became a valuable business partner and friend. Bob named his son Clay after Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali).
• This experience highlighted the dichotomy between his great-grandfather's invisible work life and his leadership in the community.

5. The Urge to Tell Untold Stories:

• The speaker was always aware of the contrast between his great-grandfather's work and his community standing.
• He felt a strong desire to tell the stories of overlooked black men like his great-grandfather.
• This led him to leave his promising career at Oscar Mayer and pursue graduate studies in history.

6. Graduate School and Academic Career:

• Despite concerns from friends and family, the speaker was determined to pursue his purpose.
• He had secretly prepared for graduate school for years, including studying for the GRE and contacting professors.
• He already had his dissertation title in mind: "Both Sides of the Tracks: African American Railroad Workers from World War I to World War II."
• He spent over 20 years in higher education, benefiting from and contributing to the lives of many talented students.

7. Becoming President of the National Civil Rights Museum:

• His experiences in higher education prepared him to lead the National Civil Rights Museum.
• The museum honors Dr. King's legacy, educates about the civil rights movement, and promotes social change.
• He feels obligated to honor those who came before him and help others find their own paths.

8. Finding Your Way:

• The speaker emphasizes that everyone has different roots and routes.
• The key is to find a path that brings joy and fulfillment.
• He concludes with words of encouragement from his great-grandfather: "For you good luck."

9. Notable Quotes:

• "Head and heart collision" - Describing the impact of the National Civil Rights Museum experience.
• "We don't get your kind very much down here." - Store owner's initial reaction to the speaker as an Oscar Mayer sales rep.
• "Did I pass the test?" - The speaker asking the store owner after shaking his bloody hand.
• "You are up for a promotion to be a district manager... I said 'that's not my that's not my calling I don't fully know what my calling is but I've got to go find out.'" - The speaker explaining his decision to leave Oscar Mayer.
• "For you good luck" - Great-grandfather's words of encouragement.

10. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Red Cap: A porter who carries luggage, especially at a railway station.
• Plessy vs. Ferguson: A landmark 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.

11. Logical Connections:

The speaker connects his personal history to the broader themes of the civil rights movement and the importance of finding one's purpose. His great-grandfather's story serves as a microcosm of the struggles and resilience of African Americans in the face of systemic racism. His own career journey illustrates the challenges and rewards of pursuing a calling that aligns with one's values and passions.

12. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The speaker's journey to becoming the president of the National Civil Rights Museum was shaped by his great-grandfather's example, his experiences in the corporate world, and his passion for history. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who came before, finding one's purpose, and pursuing a path that brings joy and fulfillment. The video is a call to action to honor the legacy of the civil rights movement by working towards positive social change and helping others find their way.