Captivating History

By Alastair Campbell | Posted: Thursday August 15, 2019

On Wednesday, 50 senior History students had the pleasure of hearing Elizabeth Eckford speak about her experiences of school desegregation in the 1950s in USA.

A picture of her as a high school student surrounded by a White mob is one of the iconic pictures of the whole civil rights movement. Her views of then and since were clear and forthright. She held over 600 students focused attention for two hours, making them think and reflect.

Dr Eurydice Stanley, a former lieutenant-colonel in the US army gave excellent support describing her own experiences of police racism in the past few years. Being guilty of nothing beyond "walking while black". She emphasised the importance of resilience and not compromising your own values.

Finally, the US consul-general to New Zealand Katelyn Choe spoke offering views on the US today. She acknowledged that democracy is messy and isn't perfect but is still a source of hope for the future.

Beyond the historical element of the talk, all present were asked to reflect upon our own experiences and actions. Eckford emphasised the importance of not being a passive observer allowing bad things to happen. Rather, a participant willing to stand up for what is right and just. This is a lesson we can all do with remembering.

Thanks must go to Roydon Agent for bringing such an amazing event to Dunedin and Otago Girls' for hosting so well.

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