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Introducing Civil Rights Discussions

Notes by Sharon Jarrett

After welcoming the attendees, Dick Myers turned the meeting over to Jim Hendrick, a member of Pasadena Village.  Mr. Hendrick explained that he and a group of Pasadena Villagers had come together to engage in a series of discussions about the Civil Rights movement.  The event on this day is by Zoom, but, future meetings will be in person. The meeting has been recorded and is available on the Pasadena Village website as "1619: Brown v Board"

The anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision was the basis for the group coming together today to begin these discussions.  The group wanted to thank and honor those who during the 1950s and 60s led the fight for the equality of African American citizens.

The discussion group then viewed a documentary made in 1960 called "Nine from Little Rock".  The documentary reviewed the desegregation order, the military intervention and the experiences of the students, the “Nine.”

Following the documentary the question was asked, "Are we really moving forward?"

The group was asked to share their school experiences.  Most attendees reported attending segregated schools.  It was acknowledged that this was often because “neighborhood schools” were the norm until bussing was employed.  It was noted that even with bussing, while the schools were integrated, neighborhoods were not.  This led to the group reflecting on the economics of segregation particularly in real estate.

One attendee noted that Terrace Roberts, one of the nine students who integrated Central High School, lived in Pasadena for many years.  He was the neighbor of the attendee and shared the consequences to Mr. Roberts family as a result of his participation in integrating the high school.  His parents lost their jobs and ultimately relocated to California.  He also noted the teaching staff treated the students very badly.

Ultimately, all nine students graduated from high school.  All went to college.  All but one are still living with ages ranging from 81 to 83.

In bringing the meeting to its conclusion, Mr. Hendrick indicated three more meetings were planned. These meetings are planned to be in-person meetings and will require registration because of limited space. While they are “member only,” prospective members might inquire about particular meetings if they are interested. Registration will be available through our Event Calendar on our website. Interested non-members can call our office to see if their attendance can be arranged.

The link below will take you to the events on the calendar. We will continue to post information about these meetings in our 1619 Blog.

June 3.         10 to 12 PST.      In person.       Topic: The Montgomery Bus Boycott

July 23.         Details to be determined

August 28.    Time to be determined.            Topic: The March on Washington in 1963

The next meeting of the 1619, Lingering Imprint Discussion Group will be June 7th at 10:00 AM PST. On June 7^th we are expecting another presentation by Brian Biery, this time about the discussion of reparations and the relationship between All Saints Church and St. Barnabas here in Pasadena. We look forward to a vwry intersting converstation  on a current and challenging issue. 

Dick Myers