Little Rock Nine member to speak at Brunelle Theater

By Nathan Curtis,

Bluedevilhub.com Editor–

Most students at DHS are familiar with the heroic feats of the Little Rock Nine–a group of nine black students who broke the educational color barrier at Central High School after Arkansas schools were desegregated in 1957.

Students, staff, and other Davis residents will have a chance to be a part of this history tomorrow at the Brunelle Performance Hall from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dr. Melba Beals, one of the Little Rock Nine students who made history and has inspired countless lives, will be delivering a speech regarding her experience at Central High.

Since graduating from Central High School, Beals enjoyed a successful career as a journalist before becoming a professor of communications.

Social studies teacher Kevin Williams believes that Beals’ speech is valuable for everyone, but is even more special at DHS because of its Race and Social Justice program. He believes that his students will be able to learn some extremely important life lessons from Beals.

“I think the most important thing is that when she did what she did, she didn’t necessarily think she was making history. She did it because she believed in it,” Williams said.

“You don’t have to be a mover and a shaker, a political giant, to make history. Small steps lead to big steps, and you can participate at a young age, too.”

According to Williams, Dr. Jann Murray-Garcia played a huge role in contacting Beals. Murray-Garcia was one of the individuals who helped RSJ become a class at DHS. Thanks to her, anyone who wishes to see Beals speak can come free of charge.

Many classes are also offering extra credit to see this distinguished figure at Brunelle, including Government, RSJ and other history and English classes.

Williams believes that everyone should see Beals for much more than extra credit. He thinks that Beals can offer inspiration to any student, no matter their skin color, grade or gender.

“Any time I have troubles, I put it into perspective with what she’s done, and I have it pretty easy,” Williams said.