Civil Rights in Small Town USA

Civil Rights in Small Town USA

                                                   by Collette

Growing up, I believed Civil Rights was a southern problem. Schools were integrated in my hometown as far back as I can remember. I do not actually know if there were separate schools, but I assume there were before my parents were enrolled. I am aware there were separate entrances to the high school and a place in the gymnasium where Blacks sat during games. The balcony at the movie theater was another place, but before my time. When I was going to the movies as a teenager, the balcony was where one sat with a boyfriend so no one could see you.

There was a race riot in the 1920’s that resulted in the deaths of two people and the incarceration of a Black man for 25 years for murder. It was also probably true he did not commit the murder, but never disproven. There was an active Ku Klux Klan complete with a band and children’s organization. Separate swimming pools were also in place. Although I know where they were located, this was all gone by the time I entered school.

I am ashamed to admit I knew little about Civil Rights’ problems except what I watched on the television. I do remember specific events, but no discussion at schools or among my friends. I know we were typical teenagers focused only on our own little world of friends and family. Not a good excuse, but that was our reality.

I came full-face with Civil Rights when I was in college in the 1960’s. My sociology class of 300 was taken over by a group of Black students who asked us to join their “grass roots” movement for equality. A debate ensued between the Blacks and former soldiers returning from Viet Nam in the class. Eventually the debate faltered in whether or not we should be in Viet Nam. I stayed as long as I could, but had another class to make. We did make the 5:00 news and were called the “Little Berkley” of Kansas.

It was after college and during my teaching tenure that I learned the facts behind the Civil Rights Movement. My growing up in a little town insulated me from world events and the war. I was ten years late in learning what I had missed. It was very much a part of my teaching because it was the story of a whole generation of American people.