My brush with American history

Me + Dr. Terrance Roberts
 of the Little Rock Nine

I had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Terrance J. Roberts, who along with eight other black students integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957.  The students’ enrollment was in response to the US Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education which determined segregated schools to be unconstitutional and called for the desegregation of public schools throughout the country.

The Little Rock Nine, as the group became known, faced extreme discrimination including violent demonstrations, ultimately requiring the group to be escorted to school by federal troops. The students’ mere presence incited many reactions; most notably, a successful appeal by the Governor of Arkansas that closed all public schools in the Little Rock school district for the 1958-59 school year. Consequently, several members of the Little Rock Nine, including Dr. Roberts, graduated from other high schools.

Needless to say, Dr. Roberts had quite a story to share.  He was an engaging speaker who used his story to promote education.  He shared how he assumed the role of CEO of his own education.  As CEO, he pursued opportunities outside of what was given to him such as reading more than what was assigned, agreeing to be a member of the Little Rock Nine, relocating to California to continue his high school education and pursuing multiple higher education degrees. He also spoke of his parents, who committed to support him in whatever decision he made regarding attending Little Rock Central and who also relocated to California with him. 

Dr. Roberts was the keynote speaker at the May Week Scholarship program for the Collin County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Immediately following his address, the Chapter awarded 19 scholarships to high school seniors and college students. These students, the future leaders of our country, not only had an opportunity to hear Dr. Roberts speak, but each recipient also had their photo taken with him.  Talk about the past colliding with the future!

All-in-all, it was a great event that I will forever treasure!       

Xo,