Monday, March 16, 2009

Experience Gained, Experience Given

In observance and celebration of Black History Month, many Generations Incorporated programs, including the Kennedy elementary, took part in discussing historical figures and events that shaped the rights of people in the United States. However, a group of students at the Kennedy were able to expand their experience, when a volunteer shared her encounters as a participant in Civil Rights demonstrations in the Deep South.

One day in conversation Jean Webber mentioned taking part in a march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois. This just absolutely blew me away! Here was this woman who had participated in a demonstration with one of the most important figures in history, and she was going to be working with our students…Awesome! So, when Black History month arrived, I asked Ms. Jean if she would share her incredible experience with a few of our older, lunch time mentoring students. I was surprised when she hesitated a bit, but delighted when she agreed. Later I realized that her hesitation arose from the depth of emotion that surrounded her memories.

Turns out that Jean had taken a solo trip that toured the southern states in the height of the Civil Rights movement, and was full of vivid stories that confirmed many of the horrors many have only heard about. Jean shared a story in which she joined a peaceful march in a Mississippi town that was chaotic with racial tension. It was extremely interesting to observe the students as Jean described fellow white people screaming, and attempting to physically harm her for marching with African Americans. Jean left no detail of their abuse hidden, and the students reacted with shock, and confusion. When Jean finished, the students asked only a few questions, however, I truly feel that they were fascinated by the images, and emotions in her story. The perspective that her experience allowed these young students to explore is invaluable to their appreciation of their rights as people, and might not have ever occurred if they were not able to come into contact with the volunteers at Generations Incorporated. Almost anyone can sit with students and help them read, but these kids are truly lucky to not only have a friend and a tutor, but a resource to experiences that is sure to build strong character.

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Kirkland Ahrens is an AmeriCorps State Community Engagement Coordinator at Generations Incorporated. You can e-mail him at KAhrens@GenerationsInc.org.

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