Days 1 & 2
Cape Coral, Ft. Myers

The Modern-Day Slavery Museum embarked on its six week-tour this past Sunday to large crowds and rave reviews.

The tour kicked off at Grace Church in Cape Coral, one of the state’s fastest growing Methodist churches, where CIW members were invited to speak for a few minutes during each morning’s service about efforts to end slavery in the fields by eliminating the pervasive powerlessness and poverty that enable it to take root…

… Break From Tradition Alert!…

For those of you who have followed our tours in the past through our regular photo reports, you know that we usually tell the story of the tour with a narrative that runs through the captions under each photo. But for this first report from the slavery museum tour, we are going to give the podium over to those who experienced the museum and shared their impressions with us via the guestbook. You see, accompanying the museum everywhere it goes is a guestbook (above) that dozens of those in attendance took the time to sign, many of them leaving comments behind.

We hope their comments will inspire others to take the tour, and to leave their own reviews and reflections for still others to see.

So, without further ado, here we go, comments from the museum guestbook:

“… Very emotional. The idea that modern-day slavery occurs in places close by is shocking.”

“A powerful call to action!”

“Really opened my eyes.”

“We can do better!”

… Hold on… Sorry… There were just so many good anecdotes from the first days that we can’t resist sharing just one… At the Grace Church stop, a burly ex-marine emerged from the museum and immediately sought out one of the CIW members on the museum crew, Leonel Perez. A little unsure of what to expect, Leonel braced himself when the former marine leaned in and grabbed him in a bear hug, declaring, “I fought for this country, and slavery is something I just cannot tolerate.” It was a powerful moment for everyone.

OK, now, back to the guestbook comments, and we promise, no more interruptions…:

“I was on the grand jury that indicted some of the people who did those things.”

“Such a national shame — it must stay on the front burner until it is no longer. Thank you for your dedication.”

“Thank you for pointing out that this issue is repeatedly covered by the media. You have taken away the excuse that people didn’t know.”

“I want to help.”

“Fantastic. My belly does not need to be nourished by the sweat of others.”

“All people deserve justice and freedom.”

“God Bless.”

Check back soon for another update from the road, as the museum continues its tour of Florida.