I know I haven't been around on here much since the last Equality Ride visit, but I come back every so often to check things out. This certainly hasn't left my mind.
I've been checking back regularly to find out when the release of the route was going to be. I'm happy, and not in the least bit surprised, that my school has once again made it onto the route for the Ride. Last time things were a little less than pleasant on campus that day, but it made a lot of people start thinking, including myself. I talked with both Greg Johnson and Robin Reynolds for awhile last time, and those conversations I had still stick with me. Mississippi College is a small Southern Baptist university of around 3000-3500 undergrad students. The majority, but not all, of the traditional undergrad students have grown up in conservative christian homes believing what their parents believe, thinking that anything outside their little 'bubble' might be dangerous or threaten their precious 'safe' way of life.
I unfortunately come from a family where, I'm sad to admit, my dad is somewhat bigotted. In '07, when I told him about SF coming, he made a few comments that I would be too embarrassed to repeat. It hurt me hearing those words from my father's mouth. At this point, because he's backing me financially for school, I can't voice my opinions on this, much less let him know I want to be involved with the visit this year.
I'm a Christian, a straight ally, and a student at Mississippi College who is glad to see the Equality Ride stopping once again to raise awareness on my school's campus. My prayers are with Riders as they their make preparations and start their journey.
Here's a link to the thread from 2007's ER stop at MC. I have a link in the post that I made to pictures from their visit...
http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2473