NPR has just begun a series marking the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas. The first three segments can be found here, here and here. (This is a picture of Elizabeth Eckford walking to school surrounded by a mob, before she's turned away by the Arkansas National Guard who refused entry. Behind her is a peer yelling "Nigger," at the approval of concerned mothers.)
Over the past year, I have grown to realize my incredible ignorance about the civil rights movement (and all things race, really). It is remarkably significant, even 50 years later. Many, many people live today with these events in their personal history. They are so emotionally charged and hurtful, it is no wonder white people don't tell their kids about it and black people can't help not to.
As well, it is a harrowing picture of hate, hate which is in every heart not renewed by God's grace. The Civil Rights Mov't merely drew that hate out and gave it expression. There's not many places more dangerous than the arena where stereotypes, judgments and privileges go challenged. There's not many places more honest, either.
2 comments:
Hatred stinks
www.xanga.com/darrensaysyes
a little late to this, i realize, but I am writing a thesis on the Little Rock Nine and came across this blog while looking for this harrowing photo of Elizabeth Eckford. It was a hate-filled time indeed-- makes it all the more important to remember.
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