It was another long day of driving, even longer than the first. Fortunately, Zak did an awesome job on the planning and we had two stops to help pass time.
We started the day by driving a quick hour away from wherever we were last night. (I can’t even remember the state. Maybe Missouri, maybe Kansas.) A stop we have all been looking forward to is the Monroe School in Topeka. It was the families of the students of this school who sued the board of education to end segregation in their school. We have all heard of this monumental case and understand the importance it had on our education system and the civil right movement. However, when I saw that the school that was built not too long after Congress Park (our local elementary) and is nestled in a neighborhood not too different from ours, the whole experience seems to come to life. As a teacher, I can’t imagine not having the diversity that composes my classes. The most moving part of the exhibit was a hall surrounded by videos and audio of those against desegregation. For a split second, I felt it. I felt what it must of felt like to walk into a school with so many people against you. I tried to hold my head up high, not look at the video, block the vicious words being yelled at me, but tears came to my eyes. I can’t imagine the strength and courage it took to be those first students who attended desegregated schools in the south. I was reaffirmed that there is so much power in regular citizens who get fed up with what is wrong with the system and demand change.
We departed and I felt good. I felt full of hope and reassured that my activism efforts are worthwhile.
Our next stop with Fort Larned. I think the rest of the family did a good job explaining what we learned and the pictures are better than the words I could use to describe it. Instead I will write about what I felt. We watched a short documentary, listened to a passionate volunteer ranger share stories, and read many placards throughout the site. Each and every tidbit of information was told through the eyes of the white men who lived and worked here. There was only negative mention of the Native Americans who had been forced away from that very land. There was equally negative mention of the black soldiers who lived and worked in the fort. I left feeling so uncomfortable and disappointed. I know I should of asked more questions to the volunteer and engaged in a deeper conversation, but I didn’t.
It was an interesting day for sure. I know I am going to take our visit to Monroe Elementary School with me and carry those feelings with me.
