Last Monday the Otago Girls’ History Department had the pleasure of hosting nearly 700 History students from around Otago and Southland to hear guest speakers Minnijean Brown Trickey and her daughter Spirit Tawfiq talk.  Minnijean Brown Trickey is a well known figure in the American Black Civil Rights movement as she was one of the Little Rock 9 who in 1957 at the age of 16 attempted to go to the all white Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas but was prevented by a mob of a thousand angry students and the Arkansas National Guard.  Eventually, after President Eisenhower intervened, the 101st Airborne Division were sent in to help and she and the other Little Rock 9 students (Elizabeth Eckford visited Otago Girls' 5 years ago) were escorted to classes for the year.  The following year they closed the schools rather than be forced to integrate.  Minnijean talked about her experiences facing racism and ongoing harassment and how the white students through their actions "threw away their dignity and it landed on us".   Among some of her many messages for students who attended the talk was that they are powerful and to never lose hope in the face of any adversity whether it be around issues such as racism or even climate change. She spoke about how it is students just like she was in 1957 that have the potential and capability of making both people and institutions as powerful as the American President or the Supreme Court to act to bring about change.  Our students left the talk feeling inspired and with a renewed appreciation for all that she and the Little Rock 9 had endured to help bring about change.  

Comments that students have made subsequently about the talk by Minnijean and her daughter help reinforce the immense value of learning experiences outside the classroom.  

"I really enjoyed hearing about her life; her spirit and passion for what she spoke about was so clear.  It was incredible to hear all of these first-hand experiences, and the lessons are definitely going to stick so much more because of her words and direct experiences.  It was very powerful."

"I remember the lessons she taught, about standing strong for what is right, for being strong enough to take what they throw at you and know that you are enough, you have rights, and you can change the world for the better."

"I remember her talking about how she fought back peacefully through the act of showing up and I found that really moving"

"Thank you for visiting here in New Zealand.  I'm also new student here in New Zealand so your story also inspires me to always continue in my dreams"

"It was a very empowering and inspiring talk, I think both of them are extremely strong to be able to go up there and speak to multiple audiences.  I like the confidence and the emphasis that children have the power to change the system."

"I really enjoyed the talk and I found it eye-opening.  I think that it is such an important message, sharing our stories and being vulnerable about our experiences is a very powerful thing to do.  I would like to thank her for being so open about the experience as I can't even begin to comprehend how difficult it must have been."

"She is probably the most amazing and inspirational woman I have ever met"

"Thank you for coming to our school, the two of you reminded me to speak up and not stay so quiet"

"Thank you for being strong in the face of hate.  Thank you for caring so much about the future of this world and changing it for the better.  You are hope, and you are proof that one person can change the world.  It was an honour to have you here to speak to us about a difficult time, but the dedication you have to making sure the story is heard and is talked about is so admirable.  You are someone to look up to, someone to respect, and someone who has done amazing things with your life.  Thank you."