Welcome to Sojourn to the Past

Check out Letters to our Children: The John Lewis Story

Thank you to 11 Alive NBC in Atlanta, Georgia for the great piece on one of Sojourn’s favorite people.

What can we tell our children about America’s turbulent Civil Rights Era and the titans that worked tirelessly to level the playing field for all of us to be able to embrace the American Dream?

11Alive’s Brenda Wood, Karyn Greer, Keith Whitney, Chesley McNeil and Donna Lowry sit down with Congressman Lewis and hear from him first-hand about the Civil Rights era. And the children of our reporters also get to sit down with Lewis and ask him what they always wanted to know about his role and his legacy.

Watch this powerful 11Alive News special in the video box below.

This past November, registered voters in the, “Ocean State” faced an interesting dilemma. Is a word ever just a word? The “Ocean State” is officially called “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” though most people know it simply as “Rhode Island.” For many, the word “plantation” evokes strong negative reactions since its connotation is so deeply rooted in slavery. Ironically, the person responsible for naming Rhode Island, Roger Williams, was an early and fervent proponent of ethnic and religious acceptance, not to mention the abolition of slavery. At the time, “plantation” was simply a word used to describe large estates primarily focused on farming enterprises. “Providence Plantations” was the name Williams gave to a colony he founded after fleeing religious persecution in neighboring Massachusetts.

So what do we do with a word that starts off mundane, but over decades develops a meaning that is so loaded, a significant segment of the population experiences a visceral reaction upon hearing it? In this particular instance, the reaction is not split according to usual party lines and racial lines. State Rep. Joseph Almeida, an African American Democrat who sponsored the bill, believes that making a change will reflect the evolution of Rhode Island and be a candid admission of the state’s past. “It’s high time for us to recognize that slavery happened on plantations in Rhode Island, and decide that we don’t want that chapter of our history to be a proud part of our name.” State Rep. Alfred Gemma, also a Democrat, opposes the name change. He believes that it is an unwelcome attempt to gloss over Rhode Island’s long tradition of tolerance,“a bid for historical revisionism that doesn’t consider the use of the word ‘plantation’ in a more innocent context.” Activist Fred Ordonez, who worked with Almeida to get the issue on the ballot, said the word “plantations” was “a slap in the face.” “Words do have an impact,” he said. “Some more than others. To say a person of color should not be concerned with this … I completely disagree”. Keith W. Stokes, executive director of the state’s Economic Development Corporation and also African American, is against the name change “ (I) absolutely reject, on a personal level, that removing this name is going to placate people…If we move around names, change names, we are going to lose the very essence of who we are. And that’s shameful.”

Removing the word “plantation” from the name does not remove the fact that Rhode Island earned much of its early wealth from slavery and the slave trade. So should the name be changed to reflect the “evolution of Rhode Island” or should it be left as is, a reminder of Rhode Island’s history? The citizens of Rhode Island decided to keep “Providence Plantations” in their state’s official name. Does this counter the goals of the Civil Rights Movement? Both sides make compelling arguments. Perhaps the most important thing in the Rhode Island vote wasn’t the actual outcome, but rather the conversation that it provoked.

The Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, more commonly known as Arizona SB 1070, or simply as Arizona’s new immigration law, is one of the broadest and strictest anti-immigration measures ever passed in the United States. The law makes failure to carry immigration documents a crime and gives police the power to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. Understandably, many residents of Arizona and of the country find this law disturbing, citing fears of racial profiling and discrimination.

Governor Jan Brewer, who signed the bill, said racial profiling would not be tolerated, stating “We have to trust our law enforcement.” But this raises the question, trust them to do what? And how is it possible to detain someone suspected of being in the country illegally without racial profiling? How many blond, blue-eyed people will be stopped and asked for proper documentation, even though there has been an increase of undocumented Western Europeans living in Arizona in recent years? Unless the answer is proportionately equal to the number of Latinos who will be stopped, this law teeters dangerously on the precipice of racism.

It also makes one ask who is entitled to civil rights? Is equality something every human being deserves, or only those with enough money, clout, or luck to be legally allowed into a country like the United States? Given the fact that that the Dream Act, a federal bill that would make it possible for young undocumented immigrants to become citizens after meeting a proscribed set of requirements, passed the House of Representatives on by a 216 to 198 vote, it seems that many Americans believe civil rights should be extended to at least some segments of our population that have been denied them until now.

Even though Arizona SB 1070 passed (despite public criticism by President Obama), we take strength in the smaller victories that have been achieved: the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the clearing of the DREAM Act in the House of Representatives, the nationwide protests in response to the passage of Arizona SB 1070. The road to full equality for all may be arduous, but each milestone we reach, each good law we pass and bad one we overturn, brings us that must closer to our goal.

Two months ago this past Friday marked the death of Rosa Parks, a woman who was a major symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. The U.S. Congress has called her “the first lady of civil rights,” but who was this woman who famously refused to move to the back of the bus on Dec. 1, 1955? What made her so special? After all, she wasn’t the first person to refuse to move. In 1854, Lizzie Jennings engaged in a similar protest. In 1946 Irene Morgan stood her ground and Sarah Louise Keys protested in 1955. Just nine months before Parks refused to go to the back of the bus, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to move from her seat on the same bus system.

So why do we venerate Rosa Parks? We do so because Ms. Parks represents the straw that broke the camel’s back. Her actions allowed African Americans to say, “Enough is enough”. Four days after her refusal to move to the back of the bus, plans for the Montgomery Bus Boycott were laid down and the rest is history. The Montgomery Bus Boycott not only caused the end to segregation on buses, it also helped bring Martin Luther King Jr. to prominence. Decades later, when asked about refusing to give up her seat, Ms. Parks said, “People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

How many of us are tired of giving in to injustice? But how many times have we asked ourselves if it’s worth making an effort since we’re only one person and what difference could one person possibly make? The next time your actions seem like they would be a tiny drop in the ocean of problems we face, remember that Rosa Parks was only one person and it was her solo action that tipped the scales towards change. And it was the actions of those who came before her that made it possible. So while your choices, actions and fights may seem to be just a drop in the ocean, remember each drop creates ripples that touch others and eventually all of our drops together will create an ocean of change.

Seventeen years ago, under the Clinton Administration, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) was enacted as a compromise—one that would allow gays and lesbians to serve in the military, as long as no one knew they were gay. Even as a step in the right direction compared to the previous ban that prohibited homosexuals from serving at all, DADT was a symbol of just how ingrained discrimination is in American legislation and in our society.

This month, we said, “Enough.” In a vote of 65 to 31 including eight Republicans, the Senate approved a repeal of the DADT policy. “The fact is removing a form of legalized discrimination from our books is not a liberal or conservative idea, it’s not a Democratic or Republican idea,” said Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who sponsored the legislation. “It’s an American idea consistent with American values.”

The repeal is not a victory solely for the LGBT community; it is a huge win for all people fighting for civil rights.

Still, there’s much that needs to be done. Prior to approving the repeal of DADT, the Senate blocked a bill (the Dream Act) that would have created a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who came to the United States as young children, completed two years of college or military service and met other requirements including passing a criminal background check. We must use the repeal of DADT as a shot of energy to renew and reinvigorate our dedication to equity and social justice.

This is an image recent generations may have never seen. For others, it’s a painful memory and a reminder of how far we have come. Unfortunately, in Abbotsford, Wisconsin, it’s not a reminder of how far we’ve come, it’s an example of how much farther we need to go. And it’s hanging in the window of a proposed gentlemen’s club owned by Mark Prior. 

According to Prior, it’s his right as an American to be able to discriminate. He says “If I’ve got a problem with you it’s going to be on the front of my store.” What’s frightening is that in a way, he’s right. According to one African American historian, if the men’s club were to be a private one, than legally, Prior could discriminate. A disturbing thought, and one that begs the question, can racism be legally protected? The town of Abbotsford says no. “It does bother me a lot that he has something like that up. My whole family lives here. All my kids (live here), and what if my kids see it?” says a female resident. When confronted with the town’s anger at the sign, Prior finally moved the sign inside, but only after being directly asked to take it down.

Prior’s actions serve to remind us that there is still a lot of prejudice and ignorance in the world. The reactions of the town of Abbotsford however, should be taken to heart. For every bigoted person, there is a town willing to stand up and say, “No”. That’s why programs like Sojourn are so important. They strengthen the voice of civil rights and unify those willing to stand up to the lingering unjustness in our society, making it not just one town for every bigoted person, but a whole state, and perhaps one day the whole country.

On February 26, 1965 in Marion, Alabama, Jimmie Lee Jackson, then 26 years old, was shot to death by Alabama State Trooper James Bonard Fowler. The case was originally reviewed by federal and state juries in September of 1965 but no charges were made.  This past Monday, November 15, 2010, 45 years later,  Fowler pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and received a sentence of six months in prison followed by six months probation at age 77.

Sojourn to the Past honors Jimmie Lee Jackson during its journeys, teaching students about the man whose untimely death inspired the Selma voting rights marches and the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965. Jackson had joined a peaceful march for civil rights in Marion with his mother and grandfather on the night of his murder. When state troopers first beat his 82 year old grandfather and then began to beat his mother, Jackson, unarmed, attempted to protect her when he was shot in the abdomen. He died eight days later in the hospital.

In response to the death of this young and peaceful activist for social justice John Lewis organized the first of three Selma marches, the first of which came to be known as Bloody Sunday and influenced the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Jackson’s case is among many other similar civil rights murder cases to have been reopened within the past ten years. While the closing of this and other tragic cases may not bring closure to the families of the individuals, they mark the continuing efforts that are being made to fight for social justice.  One amazing man making such effort is Sojourn Speaker, MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient, and Investigative Reporter Jerry Mitchell.  Check out his great blog Journey To Justice.

Sojourn would like to thank Carolyn Tyler and ABC 7 for the kind recognition.  We are proud to have continued to grow and expand since ABC’s original footage on Sojourn 10 years ago when Carolyn Tyler joined the program on a Sojourn journey.  To watch the amazing 14 minute segment please click here.

ABC’s Carolyn Tyler returned in October 2010 to catch up with Sojourn to the Past’s Founder Jeff Steinberg, Speaker Myrlie Evers-Williams, teachers and students.  The four minute piece below aired on October 22nd and recognizes the success Sojourn has had in connecting students with history and inspiring positive social action.

(Transcription of clip) ABC 7 News, Carolyn Tyler
Ten years ago we introduced you to an educator teaching lessons about the civil rights movement that children weren’t learning in the classroom. Lessons he says are still relevant, even with Barack Obama in the White House.

Former Bay Area history teacher Jeff Steinberg is celebrating the 10th anniversary of what he calls “Sojourn to the Past.” This year he will visit dozens of schools encouraging students to follow him along the civil rights trail.

“I don’t call it a black studies program. This is our shared history as Americans,” he said.

In his one-of-a-kind program high school students board buses and head to the epicenter of the struggle for social justice and equality. They take a 10-day trip to the south, tracing the places and meeting some of the people who propelled the civil rights movement and ABC7 news went along 10 years ago.

In the past decade, more than 6,000 Bay Area students have taken the journey and for some, touching the living history of the civil rights movement has been life changing.

Lolo Villagomez was one of the kids from three Bay Area high schools who followed the path of pioneers like Elizabeth Eckford, one of the so-called “Little Rock nine.” She was their age when she braved an angry mob to integrate Central High School in 1957.

They actually met her and that taught them about forgiveness — something that’s not in the textbooks.

They toured the Memphis hotel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered, they sat in the Birmingham church where a bombing killed four little girls and they shared the pain of one victim’s father.

“We came back changed,” Villagomez said.

The 26-year-old Villagomez now works with low-income residents in San Francisco’s Mission District.

“It was a key moment in my life in helping me know what I wanted to do with my life,” he said.

U.S. Congressman John Lewis was a non-violent protester beaten during the 1960s. This summer, he introduced a resolution which passed unanimously honoring sojourn for its powerful impact on young lives.

“They become better human beings and better citizens,” he said.

“It’s our responsibility to develop young leaders,” sojourn board member Myrlie Evers said.

Myrlie’s husband Medgar Evers was an icon in the movement. He was assassinated by a Klu Klux Klansman on the doorstep of his Mississippi home.

“I went up and shook him and said ‘daddy get up, daddy get up,’” Medgar’s daughter Reena Evers said.

For the last few years, Reena has traveled with the students back in time.

“It’s important to share, that it’s a human element and I’m right here in front of you — It’s not something that happened 100 years ago,” she said.

It’s not just the well-known names; the kids who make the journey meet ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

“That’s what made me realize, even as a teenager you can do great things,” Pablo Aguilera said.

Aguilera became a high school history teacher and he now takes his students on the civil rights journey.

“I would like to see this program go on forever and forever,” Myrlie Evers said.

But the program is struggling. Sojourn never turns anyone away who can’t afford the $2,600 cost.

Now with the down economy the non-profit is losing donations, still the founder is pushing on.

“I have found my life’s working doing this and I will keep going. As long as there’s a racial divide in this country, there is a need to do the program,” Steinberg said.

ABC7 News salutes Jeff Steinberg for his dedication to teaching children about the civil rights movement.
(Copyright ©2010 KGO-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Today, Tuesday November 2nd, is voting day. It is the day to exercise one’s civic duty and right as an American citizen. Today’s vote will determine if new senators, district representatives and governors will have the chance to represent their constituency or if current leaders will retain seats and allowed another term to continue working for positive change for their public. Numerous important propositions will also be on ballots for vote.

Whatever your political preferences are, whatever cause you feel the most strongly about, it is your responsibility to vote.

Voting is a responsibility to your community, country and to yourself. In addition, voting is a means to acknowledge those who sacrificed to secure the right for all citizens to vote. In this manner, Sojourn considers voting a responsibility and a privilege. This privilege was not won easily. While the fifteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution ratified in 1870 granted all citizens the right to vote, women were not guaranteed their right until 1920 with the passing of the 19th amendment and people of color until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 banned discriminatory practices that had prevented minorities from voting.

Two highly influential figures from this struggle who we honor during our Sojourn journeys are U.S. Congressman John Lewis and the late voting rights activist Vernon Dahmer, Sr.

In 1965 as part of the voting rights movement when John Lewis was only 25 and chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he led the first of three marches in Selma, Alabama that would later come to be known as Bloody Sunday. On this march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge police and state troopers confronted, stopped and violently beat Lewis and fellow peaceful demonstrators. This brutal attack was captured on film and broadcast to the entire nation. The rest of the country, including the president, could no longer turn a blind eye to the violence that was taking place and the struggle that was going on as the nation’s minorities fought for equal rights and recognition. John Lewis’ bravery and determination played a major role in influencing the federal government to implement the Voting Rights Act. We can honor Congressman Lewis and the demonstrators today by voting.

We may also honor the civil rights leader Vernon Dahmer Sr., a successful store owner that aided in registering African American by using his store as a voting site and paying the poll tax of those that could not afford it. Because of Dahmer’s actions, he became a target of the KKK and on the night of January 10, 1966 the KKK firebombed his home. Vernon died the next day and his daughter was left badly burned. His tombstone reads, “If you don’t vote, you don’t count.”

Many others fought tirelessly for the equal right to vote, some paying with their lives. Use your voice and cast your vote today!

Click the link below to find your polling station. Most stations close at 8pm so get out there and make your voice heard!
http://maps.google.com/maps/mpl?moduleurl=http://maps.google.com/mapfiles/mapplets/elections/voter-info/voter-info.xml

On our Sojourn journeys we emphasize the importance of inclusiveness and acceptance of all people. Sojourn speakers Minnijean Brown Trickey and Elizabeth Eckford encourage reaching out to others regardless of whatever invisible barriers exist because you never know what positivity your extension of friendship/humanity can generate. Our students learn that they can become friends with others whom they preconceived as different from themselves.

Upon return from the Sojourn experience many students are shocked to see through new eyes the division that exists in their own schools. Our Sojourners attest that there is noticeable racial separation between the students at their schools. Sojourn alumni has reported post-journey that they attempt to cross the invisible boundaries that visibly separate society–they befriend students they have never spoken to before, of different ethnicities, economic backgrounds and varying interests.

Teaching Tolerance, a project started by the Southern Poverty Law Center, offers ideas to teachers across the nation that help promote tolerance and acceptance and fight prejudice and discrimination amongst their students and schools. In a recent article, Teaching Tolerance suggests schools participate in “Mix It Up at Lunch Day” on November 9th. The website offers different ways to cross borders, as well as how to publicize the event.

Students: suggest Mix It Up to a teacher or counselor at your school and have an official event! Teachers: Teaching Tolerance offers (free!) tools to enact Mix It Up on their website.

Congressman John Lewis urges that “we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or we will perish as fools.” Reach out to your peers at school, your brothers and sisters, and share the lessons of acceptance, nonviolence and compassion!

Visit the Teaching Tolerance Mix It Up web page by clicking HERE.

“You might be someone’s hope someday…you might help someone live another day.” -Elizabeth Eckford of the Little Rock 9