Pittsburgh Review

February marks Black History Month, a period dedicated to honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to racial equality. For Calvin Austin III, a receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, this month holds personal significance beyond its annual commemoration.

Austin's upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee, home to the National Civil Rights Museum, has given him a firsthand perspective on civil rights history. The museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, serves as a tribute to Dr. King and others involved in the civil rights movement.

Austin has visited the museum numerous times, from school trips as a child to being honored at the Black Men Crowned Awards held there in 2021. "I've been there a lot and each time you focus on something different," Austin remarked. He emphasized that repeated visits reveal new insights into Dr. King's work.

The museum features exhibits like a burnt-out bus used by 'freedom riders' attacked in Alabama and replicas of restaurant sit-ins fighting segregation. However, it is the replication of Dr. King's room at the motel that leaves a profound impact on visitors. "It's surreal, kind of eerie," said Austin about seeing the room where Dr. King stayed before his assassination.

Dr. King's legacy sparked Austin's interest from an early age, inspiring him with his dedication to unity and equality despite opposition. "Most importantly is that he rode his own wave and started something," Austin stated, acknowledging Dr. King's courage and sacrifice.

In his senior year at Memphis University, Austin was recognized at the Black Men Crowned Awards for leadership and accomplishments within the community—a moment that left him reflective about his role as an example for young people.

Austin hopes that Dr. King's message of unity continues to resonate with today's youth through education and experiences like visiting the museum. "We're supposed to be one and united under God," he expressed, emphasizing the importance of preserving Dr. King's legacy for future generations.