Hello all! Here we are at day 14, our first full day in Little Rock, Arkansas. Waking up being in such a serene location, surrounded by nature, has been quite relaxing and rejuvenating for us all.
Today began at Central High School, where we had the opportunity to learn more about the Little Rock nine: Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Patillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls. Something surprising I learned today was that there were originally supposed to be ten students entering and integrating Central High School on September 4, 1957. However, due to violence and threats endured during this first attempt to integrate the high school, one student’s family decided to withdraw her from the integration process of Central High School, thus leading to the “Little Rock Nine”.
Walking through Central High School, which is still an active high school, was very moving as we learned bits of the turbulent history, hatred, and violence that these nine students faced during their first year in school. As our tour guide described, their were three groups of people during this time in the Little Rock Central High School: the silent by-stander’s, the bullies, and the few students who supported the Little Rock Nine. In our reflection we discussed as a group how we partake in each of these roles in current day conflicts we face. We discussed how partaking in the silent by-stander role is essentially another form of taking the side of the oppressor and how the bystander effect impacts the environment of the conflict.
In the foyer of the high school, an exhibit shows where the Little Rock Nine currently are today, yet another good connection of past and present for the civil rights movement. This connection of past and present was relevant in further discussion of how people continue to worry about attaining an education, and how this impacts the society at large.
Lastly, we discussed a common conflict present in American society of how we love our freedom, but this freedom (of speech, religion, choice, etc.) comes with a responsibility: you can’t be a terrorist in your own country. While recognizing that parents and family plays a huge role in child development, we must also recognize how important education is in allowing for exposure to new ideologies and development of opinions based on facts and the truth in combination with “here-say” from family and friends.
Upon returning from Central High School, we were greeted by the serene environment we are calling “home” for our final few days on our immersion. Truly, I cannot think of a better place for us to end our immersion, reflection, and personal growth as we are surrounded by a peaceful and calm environment that is fostering deeper discussion into our reflection time.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
*Melissa Hager*