The 14th of June 2024 will forever be a lasting memory for the History students here at Hamilton Girls’ High School. We had the honour and the privilege of hosting a pivotal figure, and her daughter, from the Black Civil Rights movement in the United States.

Minnijean Brown-Trickey was one of the exceptionally brave students who, in 1957, were the first black students to enter Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas. Minnijean and her group, who were only 15 and 16 years old at the time, faced unfathomable hatred, abuse and violence just because they wanted an education equal to that which white children received. Not only were they confronting the locals in Little Rock, but also the State of Arkansas itself. After sending out the armed National Guard to prevent Minnijean and her friends from entering the school, the Governor of the State closed every school to prevent these nine teenagers from taking their place in school. Eventually the President of America would have to send 1000 paratroopers to escort these students into their classrooms.

There were tears, shock and laughter as Minnijean and her daughter Spirit (who has worked to memorialise the events at Little Rock) recounted Minnijean's experiences in class and the challenges that she faced on a daily basis. Our students sat in awe hearing about how someone their own age had the courage, strength and determination to stand up and fight for what she knew was right. Towards the end of the presentation our students showed their depth of understanding as they asked Minnijean and Spirit exceptional questions about their experiences growing up in the States. For myself, facilitating the conversation was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was amazing to see our students so engaged in the conversation. To conclude, here is one quote which really resonated with our students on how to manage issues in the world today “transform anger into action.”

Look at what nine teenagers were able to achieve, nothing is out of reach.