Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Courage with a Side of Inspiration!
Tonight I took my family, two boys plus one of their friends, out for dinner to Central BBQ. It was delicious as usual--wings and bbq nachos. However, before dinner we went to see the documentary The Memphis 13 showing at the Paradiso. The Memphis 13 were the first 13 African American students to integrate white schools in Memphis 50 years ago yesterday and they were only five and six years old. We got to the theater a little after 5pm for the 6pm showing and the line was out the door. A few hundred people were turned away but we were among the first 75 people in line and got great seats in the row in front of The Memphis 13 and their families. I went through the gamut of emotions during the 40 minute film. I laughed, I cried, I felt shame, anger and I felt inspired. Would I have had the courage to take that first step towards change if I had been in their shoes? Would I have been courageous enough to put one foot in front of the other and walk up a few steps and open the door knowing that I was putting myself and my family in a situation that could result in injury or death? Could I have been as brave as the 13's parents and send my six year old child out into a hostile and unknown environment all for the sake of social change? I would like to say yes but 50 years ago was a very different time in Memphis. People fought for a voice and paid with their life during this time. I can't say for sure what I would have done all those years ago but today I want to take that first step wherever it made lead..............
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
What a wonderful blog post, Shanna. I do hope that they release the film on DVD as I want to see it. Did the families speak last night? They would make fascinating guests in our classroom. The questions that you raise about your actions in a similar position are powerful. I am not a mother, and I am not sure how I would balance the best interests of my children with the good of society. I am hopeful that we can delve more deeply into a discussion about race next week when Rufus Smith is in class with us.
ReplyDeleteJessica Swan
I went to see it too, but I was one of those that couldn't get in, I guess I got there too late. There were so many people that weren't able to get in.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I've never been to Central BBQ but I heard it is great. Would you recommend it? And in one of my teaching classes we talked about the anniversary of the memphis 13 and we briefly talked about the movie. I heard it was wonderful. I really want to see it but I think it would be very emotional.
ReplyDelete