CSUS Scholars Participate in Panel Discussion about the 1961 Freedom Riders
On
Sunday March 30, 2014 four scholars from the Grade 8 Identity and Voice
elective joined Principal Fernandez and CSUS faculty members Kini
Griffin and Melanie Ahern at a panel discussion in Needham regarding the
1961 Freedom Riders entitled “Becoming an Ally: Activating your Sphere of Influence.”
The film series and panel discussion were sponsored by The Needham
Library and the Needham Human Rights Committee in recognition of the
50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil rights Act. We used the
video Freedom Riders as the inspiration for a discussion on
what it means to be an ally to a targeted cultural group that may have
less social advantages than you. It was a two hour program that at times
was uncomfortable for some, much like the discussion of race and
privilege can be for so many.
The scholars were 8th graders
Andrew Anilus, Jordan Lake, Kevin Reddick, and Ahzeem Santos. The
audience was comprised of about 35 people. It was mostly middle-aged
white adults with very little racial diversity. It was particularly
insightful for the young men as some participants passionately discussed
negative images and cultural stereotypes of urban black boys. The
scholars who are all boys of color were surprised by the candid opinions
expressed by audience members. Our scholars were impressive in their
candid, passionate and illuminating push back. Once again, CSUS scholars
represented us well.