Living History: Justice Ministry Pilgrimage Opens Eyes

I was so excited when I found out that the HPUMC Justice Ministry was offering a guided tour and trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, in October to see the historical site where the first African American students were integrated into the all-white Central High School. On a personal level, I was especially excited for three reasons:

First, I’m from Little Rock! I had always heard about the nine African American students (the “Little Rock Nine”) who first integrated the school under protection from the US Army. The event was in textbooks in American history classes—it made national headlines! My brother and sister both attended Central High School, and although the African American students were about the same age (only about 13 years old), the Little Rock Nine had heaps of abuse thrust upon them: called names, spit upon, and shouted at. I wonder what it would have been like in my family if my brother and sister had gone through that.

Second, I was born in 1957. That was the same year the Little Rock Nine first integrated the school. I have a special affinity with that year. It sobers me that these events occurred IN MY LIFETIME.

Third, although the trip was jam-packed with things to do, it was only two days! We flew Friday morning from Love Field and returned the following day, Saturday afternoon. I could get away for two days at the end of the week. And the leaders of our group were awesome! They scoped the place in advance and planned everything meticulously from great food, to a nice hotel, to insider’s tours that we wouldn’t have gotten on our own. Karla Nivens, HPUMC’s Director of Justice Ministry, and Amy Bales, our leaders, also made me feel special and welcome.

On Friday morning, we were met by a bus that took us to lunch, then on to the Central High Museum (State Park), directly across the street from Central High School. A park ranger had an exclusive meeting with us, filling us in on the historic events, and we walked to Central along the same street the Little Rock Nine walked to enter the school. If you’re a history buff, this area, including Central High and the street in front, looks just the same today as it did back then! We went through the museum exhibits and then headed to our hotel in the fun River Market area of Little Rock, then finished the day with dinner.

My favorite part of the pilgrimage was on Saturday. After taking the bus to the Arkansas State Capitol that morning to see the statues of the Little Rock Nine, read the captions, and participate in a short devotional, song, and prayer led by Karla Nivens and fellow trip-goer Jayson Bales, we went to lunch at a delicious soul food restaurant (my fried chicken was delicious!) and we heard from the amazing Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton. Dr. Hampton gave the best speech I’ve ever heard. She was in the second group of students to integrate. She was also the first African American student to attend Central all three years and graduate (1962)!

Dr. Hampton is captivating, accomplished (currently president of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation at age 79), and beautiful. Her speech was positive, hopeful, and so inspiring. I’ll always remember her telling us that although the earlier students were abused, she was treated quite differently. She said that in the entire three years she attended Central, not one student ever talked to her, looked her in the eye, smiled at her, or walked near her. She said her teachers graded fairly and called on her when she raised her hand, but they never smiled or extended any kindness beyond that. I can’t imagine how lonely that must have been. Dr. Hampton said her faith, her church, and her parents are what kept her strong and joyful.

We all have the same God, no matter what our skin color is. Race, nationality, language, gender, education, and financial means don’t matter to God. I know some people may be hesitant to go on a pilgrimage, thinking that due to the subject matter, the trip is a total downer. Not true! I discovered in my pilgrimage to Little Rock that although there are serious parts, the trip is fun and so easy. I highly recommend HPUMC pilgrimages if you are interested. You’ll learn a lot about history, have fun, and be meaningfully touched with greater compassion as you continue to grow while serving others.