This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Little Rock 9. As a result of the historic ruling from the Brown vs. Board of Education Case in 1954, declaring the segregation of schools to be illegal, the NAACP attempted to register black students into previously all-white schools. The Little Rock 9 consisted of several courageous youths, who attempted to integrate Little Rock Central High School under extreme racial conditions in September 1957.
It should be noted, that these students were selected due to their excellent academic and attendance records, and justifiably deserved entrance into Little Rock Central. They were clearly students who deserved a chance to excel under equal conditions. Although the students were subjected to verbal, mental, and physical abuse, they perservered. And that is to be commended.
What's so ironic, is that 50 years later, these cases are still apparent today. I applaud all students still undergoing these extreme prejudicial conditions in our country. To all of those students in cities/towns like Jena, LA...keep your head up and shoot for the stars.
Someone once said, “The biggest problem throughout the history of man is the fact that racism is anything but an anomoly.” So, once we realize that racism exists and may always exist, it is up to us to find a solution.
We all know that segregation still exists in our school systems. That inner city schools are not preparing our children for academic/corporate success. So how do we make a difference? This has been a large issue for me for a long time. What are some solutions? How can we make a difference without relying on our state/government officials to "save the day?"
Parting quote: “It demands great spiritual resilience not to hate the hater whose foot is on your neck, and an even greater miracle of perception and charity not to teach your child to hate."
3 comments:
girl - this story makes me cry every single time i read about them.... what strength and courage they had/have!
Applauses go out to these brave men and women, who took a stand regardless of the backlash. Although racism is still alive and well such as Jena 6 and many other cases, we too need to take a firm stand in building each other up by becoming more supportive. For the battle on this issue is still alive and these fine Little Rock 9 display why we should not wavier in our stand. This goes out to all of those standing up for our sistas and brothers caught up in these acts of prejudices and racism. One Love to All.
'So, once we realize that racism exists and may always exist, it is up to us to find a solution.' That is so correct!!
We must get together as a 'community' and make a change.
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