What defining moment in Black History has inspired you?

Crystal Killingsworth
Staff Writer

What defining moment in Black history most impacted your life? This has to be the most difficult question for many African-Americans today. After all, how could one reflect simply on one moment to define a whole lifetime of struggle?

As extensive and unique as Black history is, we all relate to different aspects of the past that encourage and inspire us differently.

Perhaps the most memorable moment in Black History for most African-Americans is the Civil Rights Movement.

Ebony Lazare, a sophomore chemistry major from Lafayette La., said that civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s involvement in Black History inspired her the most.

“When Martin Luther King Jr. joined the Civil Rights Era, he motivated me to become more of an activist when it came to things that were important to me,” said Lazare.

Lazare also mentioned that she supported MLK’s advocacy of nonviolence.

“He encouraged peaceful change and that was important to me because I don’t think violence is ever necessary,” said Lazare.

Lorenzo Newell recalls James Meredith’s enrollment in the University of Mississippi and the riots that followed after his admittance as a defining moment in Black history.

“I remember hearing my dad talk about James Meredith and the issues he encountered by exercising his right to get an education,” said Newell.

The sophomore recreation administration major from Sallis, Miss. said that Meredith’s diligence in college, despite harassment, motivated him to work hard in his studies.

“If James Meredith was able to finish college with classmates that persecuted him, I’m confident that I can work hard enough to do the same,” said Newell.

Edwin Davis, a sophomore chemistry major from Utica, Miss. said that the most defining moment in his life was when Black History Month was first recognized.

“The most defining moment in my life was when February was officially designated as the month to celebrate Black History Month,” said Davis.

Davis said that every year, African-Americans have a chance to reminisce of the accomplishments and struggles of a great group of people.

“It reminds us of the achievements as well as the hardships that our ancestors endured to establish a better place for future generations,” said Davis.

I think my most memorable moment in Black History was the trek of the Freedom Riders. It was one of Black History’s most significant milestones of African-American history.

The freedom riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated southern states around the U.S. in 1961. The African-American and White activists challenged those persons who disregarded federal laws that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled concerning integration on interstate buses.

It inspires me that this group of people was resolute in their beliefs when it came to issues concerning their people’s rights. I feel as if it is my duty to them as well as my other African-American ancestors that I remain strong-minded in my beliefs and keep up the legacy.

The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.