In the summer of 2009 I was fortunate enough to visit the site where thousands of homes were demolished due to Apartheid.  This site was the inspiration for the District 6 Museum.  The ground of the demolished site was covered in grass, rocks and dirt.  The sun was high in the air and warm.  I closed my eyes and I was able to hear and envision a place where people dwelled.  I could hear children running in the streets.  I could hear music bellowing from windows, people walking along the streets and pleasantries being exchanged from business owners.  I envisioned life! I envisioned the interrupted lives that took place due to Apartheid.  The grass was tall and unkempt.  No one probably realizes what that field symbolizes if they are visitors from other areas of the world.  The South African people know what that land represents.  It represents a negative part of the history of South Africa.  It represents the oppression and human right violations that took place.  It represents the long journey that their country has traveled.  It represents the long journey that is still ahead. 

The District 6 Museum is not filled with bells and whistles.  There are no hands on activities and interactive media.  That does not diminish nor take away from the message that is held within the walls.  The museum is quiet and peaceful.  Sorrow filled by heart and mind as I realized I was taking a looking into history and the memories and pieces of buildings, streets, and signs that are left of this particular area.  Yes, the memories are alive and that part of South African history should never be forgotten.  District 6 is a wonderful memory of a thriving community that was taken because the laws of South Africa were discriminatory and filled with hatred.  District 6 was a roller coaster of emotions.  There are photographs and statues that represent how wonderful the lives were of the community.  This filled me will happiness and joy.  Then signs that were posted that say “Whites Only” consumed me with anger.  No one should forget how people of color were treated in South Africa.  These types of signs are not posted to anger people.  They are hung to show the reality in which people lived for many years.  District 6 is a constant reminder of how systemic laws and infrastructure can ruin and destroy an entire community.  District 6 is also a reminder that Apartheid should never rise again.

    – Leticia Martinez (Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:12:48 -0500)