Texas Southern University Welcome Iconic Civil Rights Leaders To Its Campus

Thursday, Texas Southern University had an historical moment, as two Civil Rights icons graced our campus.

Pictured here with Civil Rights Icon Carlotta Walls LaNier

HOUSTON- Education and the importance of exposure rang through the air. As special guest speakers, Civil Rights Icons Lucille Bridges and Carlotta Walls LaNier, were interviewed by Journalist Melinda Spaulding.

“It says quite a bit when you get exposed to more than what is right there around you… it opens your mind and all of the things you can possibly do.” Said Carlotta Walls LaNier when talking about the importance of Desegregation and the historical importance of the Brown V. Topeka Board of Education. Carlotta Walls LaNier is known as being the youngest out of nine in The Little Rock Nine. The Little Rock Nine Made history as being some of the first students to desegregate Little Rock Central High School. Along side LaNier was the famous Lucille Bridges, a Civil rights pioneer in her own right as well as the mother of Ruby Bridges, had the help of her coworkers at BBVA and Houston Rockets to make this event possible. Students listened to the advice given from the historic figures as they were so eager to talk and tell their story. Lucille Bridges talked about being a parent who only wanted best for her child. She also talked about the importance of education and the struggles they made as a family in order for Ruby Bridges to get a solid education.

“The first two days she was scared, because they would tell her that they was gonna hang her… I learnt her all the time to pray for the people that do wrong. And that’s what happened that’s what brought her through.” Lucille Bridges said when asked about her struggles by Spaulding. She too, talked about the importance in school and how she wanted for Ruby and others the one thing that she wishes she could done. She wishes that she would’ve been able to have the opportunity to get her education. Towards the end, the students were able to start asking questions. They did not hold back! A very important question was asked about how our special guest speakers thought of the current political climate. “Just a little better for some of the kids. But we got a long ways to go dear…” Said Bridges. And Carlotta had the same opinion while adding, “Yes in my view we have certainly come a long way but is that it? No. But not only that there are forces out there that are trying to change these laws that we’ve living with since 1954.”

They ended the conference, following with more questions from students who were eager to get more knowledge from the iconic figures. This was definitely an experience that I just like many TSU Students, were glad that they got to experience. The conference ended with Carlotta Laverne saying inspirational words that really resonated with the students. “Find whatever your niche is and take it to the next level just give your all and as long as you are passionate about it you will teach!”. *