On Wednesday Otago Girls' had the great privilege of hosting Elizabeth Eckford, an icon of the Black Civil Rights movement along with Dr Eurydice Stanley and Katelyn Choe the US Consul General.

Over 700 History students and their teachers from around Otago and Southland came to hear Elizabeth talk about her experiences at Little Rock Central High School in 1957-1958. Elizabeth Eckford became symbolic of the struggle to integrate black students into formally white only schools through the southern states of America during the Civil Rights era when she was refused entry to the school on her first day. Elizabeth talked about how despite President Eisenhower intervening in the Little Rock Crisis and the nine students going to school under escort from paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division she still experienced extreme racism. She admitted on Wednesday that she "felt afraid ALL the time" with students going out of their way to bully and intimidate her. She urged students to be like the only two students in the school who engaged in ordinary conversation with her, and to reach out to students who may be feeling isolated or bullied. She reiterated that to bring about change students' voices can be powerful and that there may be risk that you have to be willing to pay. Elizabeth encouraged students to think for themselves and take advantage of the education offered to them. She has recently written a book about her experiences called "The Worst First Day" and Dr Eurydice Stanley who co-authored the book spoke about her own experiences of the continued prejudice and racism that Black Americans face every day. Dr Stanley, a retired lieutenant-colonel gave a powerful talk about being the victim of systemic racism and police brutality. US Counsel General Katelyn Choe wrapped up the talk by outlining what America meant to her. Overall, students found the talks powerful and moving. Many will be encouraged and inspired by the tenacity and resilience shown and the message that ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help bring about change.