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I fall into the moderate section of the spectrum but leaning more towards the Republican side. I am a Sketch Market Republican. I would register to vote as a Republican because that is what my dad is registered as and we share a lot of the same political beliefs.

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(Post #8)Youth-Led Movement: The Little Rock Nine

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(Post #8)Youth-Led Movement: The Little Rock Nine

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In 1957, after the famous Brown v. Board of Education court case, 9 black students attempted to enroll in an all-white school, Little Rock Central High, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Against court orders, the governor of Arkansas sent orders to the national guard to prevent these children from entering the school. After hearing this news, President Eisenhower personally sent federal troops later that month to escort the 9 students to school every day. The next year, Ernest Green became the first African-American to graduate from Central High. This event paved the way for future African-American students and changed the standards for education. Events such s these are the reason our schools are more diverse today. I believe that it is important for students to participate in political activism because we are the future of this country, and if we are not aware of the problems in our society now, then we will not be able to help change them when we are older. It is better to be politically aware from a young age so that when the time comes for big decisions to be made, you are ready.

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Desegregation of Schools

In its Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision, issued May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation of America's public schools was unconstitutional.

Until the court's decision, many states across the nation had mandatory segregation laws, or Jim Crow laws, requiring African American and white children to attend separate schools. Resistance to the ruling was so widespread that the court issued a second decision in 1955, known as Brown II, ordering school districts to integrate "with all deliberate speed."

Little Rock Central High School

In response to the Brown decisions and pressure from the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP), the Little Rock, Arkansas, school board adopted a plan for gradual integration of its schools.

The first institutions to integrate would be the high schools, beginning in September 1957. Among these was Little Rock Central High School, which opened in 1927 and was originally called Little Rock Senior High School.

Two pro-segregation groups formed to oppose the plan: The Capital Citizens Council and the Mother's League of Central High School.

Who Were the Little Rock Nine?

Despite the virulent opposition, nine students registered to be the first African Americans to attend Central High School. Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Patillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas and Carlotta Walls had been recruited by Daisy Gaston Bates, president of the Arkansas NAACP and co-publisher of the Arkansas State Press, an influential African American newspaper.

Daisy Bates and others from the Arkansas NAACP carefully vetted the group of students and determined they all possessed the strength and determination to face the resistance they would encounter. In the weeks prior to the start of the new school year, the students participated in intensive counseling sessions guiding them on what to expect once classes began and how to respond to anticipated hostile situations.

The group soon became famous as the Little Rock Nine.

Orval Faubus

On September 2, 1957, Governor Orval Faubus announced that he would call in the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the African American students' entry to Central High, claiming this action was for the students' own protection. In a televised address, Faubus insisted that violence and bloodshed might break out if Black students were allowed to enter the school.

The Mother's League held a sunrise service at the school on September 3 as a protest against integration. But that afternoon, federal judge Ronald Davies issued a ruling that desegregation would continue as planned the next day.

Elizabeth Eckford

The Little Rock Nine arrived for the first day of school at Central High on September 4, 1957. Eight arrived together, driven by Bates.

Elizabeth Eckford's family, however, did not have a telephone, and Bates could not reach her to let her know of the carpool plans. Therefore, Eckford arrived alone.

The Arkansas National Guard, under orders of Governor Faubus, prevented any of the Little Rock Nine from entering the doors of Central High. One of the most enduring images from this day is a photograph of Eckford, alone with a notebook in her hand, stoically approaching the school as a crowd of hostile and screaming white students and adults surround her.

Eckford later recalled that one of the women spat on her. The image was printed and broadcast widely in the United States and abroad, bringing the Little Rock controversy to national and international attention.

Ronald Davies

In the following weeks, federal judge Ronald Davies began legal proceedings against Governor Faubus, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower attempted to persuade Faubus to remove the National Guard and let the Little Rock Nine enter the school.

Judge Davies ordered the Guard removed on September 20, and the Little Rock Police Department took over to maintain order. The police escorted the nine African American students into the school on September 23, through an angry mob of some 1,000 white protesters gathered outside. Amidst ensuing rioting, the police removed the nine students.

The following day, President Eisenhower sent in 1,200 members of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and placed them in charge of the 10,000 National Guardsmen on duty. Escorted by the troops, the Little Rock Nine attended their first full day of classes on September 25.

Numerous legal challenges to integration continued throughout the year, and Faubus repeatedly expressed his wish that the Little Rock Nine be removed from Central High.

Although several of the Black students had positive experiences on their first day of school, according to a September 25, 1957, report in The New York Times, they experienced routine harassment and even violence throughout the rest of the year.

Melba Patillo, for instance, was kicked, beaten and had acid thrown in her face. At one point, white students burned an African American effigy in a vacant lot across from the school. Gloria Ray was pushed down a flight of stairs, and the Little Rock Nine were barred from participating in extracurricular activities.

Minnijean Brown was expelled from Central High School in February 1958 for retaliating against the attacks. Harassment went beyond the students: Gloria Ray's mother was fired from her job with the State of Arkansas when she refused to remove her daughter from the school. The 101st Airborne and the National Guard remained at Central High School for the duration of the year.

Ernest Green

On May 25, 1958, Ernest Green, the only senior among the Little Rock Nine, became the first African American graduate of Central High.

In September 1958, one year after Central High was integrated, Governor Faubus closed all of Little Rock's high schools for the entire year, pending a public vote, to prevent African American attendance. Little Rock citizens voted 19,470 to 7,561 against integration and the schools remained closed.

Other than Green, the rest of the Little Rock Nine completed their high school careers via correspondence or at other high schools across the country. Eckford joined the Army and later earned her General Education Equivalency diploma. Little Rock's high schools reopened in August 1959.

Did you know? Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. attended graduation ceremonies at Central High School in May 1958 to see Ernest Green, the only senior among the Little Rock Nine, receive his diploma.

Little Rock Nine Aftermath

Several of the Little Rock Nine went on to distinguished careers.

Green served as assistant secretary of the federal Department of Labor under President Jimmy Carter. Brown worked as deputy assistant secretary for workforce diversity in the Department of the Interior under President Bill Clinton. Patillo worked as a reporter for NBC.

The group has been widely recognized for their significant role in the civil rights movement. In 1999, President Clinton awarded each member of the group the Congressional Gold Medal. The nine also all received personal invitations to attend the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009.

Jefferson Thomas became the first of the Little Rock Nine to die when he succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 67 on September 5, 2010. After graduating from Central High, Thomas served in the Army in Vietnam, earned a business degree and worked as an accountant for private companies and the Pentagon.

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Little Rock Nine - Definition, Names & Facts | HISTORY

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The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine Black students who enrolled at formerly all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in September 1957. Their attendance at the school was a test of Brown v. Board of Education, a landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

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(Post #1)TED TALK: Why I´m Done Trying to be ¨Man Enough¨ by Justin Baldoni

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(Post #1)TED TALK: Why I´m Done Trying to be ¨Man Enough¨ by Justin Baldoni

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Summary: This ted talk covers the topic of men delving deeper into their masculinity and realizing that it takes a lot of bravery and strength to allow yourself to be vulnerable. The speaker assures men that the qualities that society says makes them ¨soft¨ or ¨weak¨ are actually the traits that make them not just a better man, but a better human. He also states that a man being a feminist does not make them a ¨man-hater¨, but a supporter of equality because that is the ideal that feminists stand for.
Reflection: This message is important to me because I see how a lot of the boys my age feel that it is too ¨girly¨ to cry or display emotion in front of others or even in general. Instead of talking through their problems, they keep it to themselves all bottled up, which is not good for their mental health. It´s also detrimental to women because most women are able to openly express their feelings or what´s bothering them, so these actions are often considered ¨feminine¨ when in reality they are necessary to grow as a person. What I want other people to learn from watching this is that it is okay to cry. It´s okay to talk about your feelings when something is wrong. It´s okay to ask for help. Suffering in silence isn´t worth it. And although diving headfirst into your shame can seem frightening, you´ll be surprised to find that you´re probably not alone. ¨The world of humanity has two wings – one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be.¨ - Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 302. This is a quote that Baldoni referenced to during his talk that resonated with me because it emphasizes that in order for us to be a properly functioning society, men and women need to be equal in all aspects. Men need to learn to embrace their soft side instead of bashing women and labeling them as weak and defenseless when they find the courage to do so. If the balance is not upheld, then the bird will never soar.

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Justin Baldoni: Why I'm done trying to be "man enough"

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Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity -- to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be.

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(Post #2)Know Your Rights: Stops and Arrests

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(Post #2)Know Your Rights: Stops and Arrests

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If you are walking on the street and are stopped by a police officer without reasonable suspicion, you can simply say that you do not want to answer any questions and walk away. You can refuse to give consent for a search i you do not have a weapon on you. If you are stopped in your car, unless they have a probable cause, they cannot search your car without your consent. If you are arrested, you do not have to answer any questions. Ask to speak to your lawyer right away and say nothing to anyone else until you do.

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Jump to navigation Skip navigation

Q.What if law enforcement officers stop me on the street?

A.

You do not have to answer any questions. You can say, "I do not want to talk to you" and walk away calmly. Or, if you do not feel comfortable doing that, you can ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, you can consider just walking away. Do not run from the officer. If the officer says you are not under arrest, but you are not free to go, then you are being detained. Being detained is not the same as being arrested, though an arrest could follow. The police can pat down the outside of your clothing only if they have "reasonable suspicion" (i.e., an objective reason to suspect) that you might be armed and dangerous. If they search any more than this, say clearly, "I do not consent to a search." If they keep searching anyway, do not physically resist them. You do not need to answer any questions if you are detained or arrested, except that the police may ask for your name once you have been detained, and you can be arrested in some states for refusing to provide it. (Non-citizens should see Section IV for more information on this topic.)

Q.What if law enforcement officers stop me in my car?

A.

Keep your hands where the police can see them. You must show your drivers license, registration and proof of insurance if you are asked for these documents. Officers can also ask you to step outside of the car, and they may separate passengers and drivers from each other to question them and compare their answers, but no one has to answer any questions. The police cannot search your car unless you give them your consent, which you do not have to give, or unless they have "probable cause" to believe (i.e., knowledge of facts sufficient to support a reasonable belief) that criminal activity is likely taking place, that you have been involved in a crime, or that you have evidence of a crime in your car. If you do not want your car searched, clearly state that you do not consent. The officer cannot use your refusal to give consent as a basis for doing a search.

Q.What should I do if law enforcement officers arrest me?

A.

The officer must advise you of your constitutional rights to remain silent, to an attorney, and to have an attorney appointed if you cannot afford one. You should exercise all these rights, even if the officers don't tell you about them. Do not tellhe police anything except your name. Anything else you say can and will be used against you. Ask to see a lawyer immediately. Within a reasonable amount of time after your arrest or booking you have the right to a phone call. Law enforcement officers may not listen to a call you make to your lawyer, but they can listen to calls you make to other people. You must be taken before a judge as soon as possible-generally within 48 hours of your arrest at the latest. (See Section IV for information about arrests for noncriminal immigration violations.)

Q.Do I have to answer questions if I have been arrested?

A.

No. If you are arrested, you do not have to answer any questions or volunteer any information. Ask for a lawyer right away. Repeat this request to every officer who tries to talk to or question you. You should always talk to a lawyer before you decide to answer any questions.

Q.What if I am treated badly by law enforcement officers?

A.

Write down the officer's badge number, name or other identifying information. You have a right to ask the officer for this information. Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers. If you are injured, seek medical attention and take pictures of the injuries as soon as you can. Call a lawyer or contact your local ACLU office. You should also make a complaint to the law enforcement office responsible for the treatment.

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Stops and Arrests - What To Do When Encountering Law Enforcement

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This booklet tells you about your basic rights. It is not a substitute for legal advice. You should contact an attorney if you have been arrested or believe that your rights have been violated.

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(Post #3)Song: Til It Happens To You by Lady Gaga

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(Post #3)Song: Til It Happens To You by Lady Gaga

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This song represents victims of sexual assault. It speaks about how you will never know the pain and trauma they endure until you experience it yourself. It´s a burden they wouldn´t wish on their greatest enemy. This song speaks to me because I personally know someone who was assaulted and I know how negatively it impacts the rest of their lives.
Gaga: You're still standing, you're still alive. [But] when you've looked terror in the eye and you go numb like that, it's like something really dies in you. And that's something Diane really helped me with. I'm the artist on the other side, going, "I don't know if I can reveal this, Diane," and she's saying, "You can." But I had to forgive myself. I had to sit down at the piano and say, "You didn't provoke that person. It's not your fault." For women to be as sexualized as we are in the media and then to be judged for wanting to be sexual beings, that, to me, is a cage. We can't survive unless we're beautiful, but if we're beautiful, we're asking for it.

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Lady Gaga - Til It Happens To You (Official Music Video)

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(Post #4)Photograph: Jewish Synagogue Shooting Memorial

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(Post #4)Photograph: Jewish Synagogue Shooting Memorial

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This photograph is of the memorial organized to honor the victims of the mass shooting which took place at a Jewish Synagogue in Pittsburgh. In the image we see a girl who is standing in front of the stars of David inscribed with the victims´ names. This image is powerful because their deaths were caused by such a violent and tragic event and has been deemed a hate crime. (Anti-Semitic) This image speaks to me because of the weight of what happened before it was taken. This issue matters to me because I do not believe in harming others based on their ethnicity, religion, beliefs, etc. This image is from Time.com.

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(Post #7)My Political Socialization - Peers

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(Post #7)My Political Socialization - Peers

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Growing up in the Bay Area with its diverse mix of different ethnicities and cultures has shaped my political ideology as well. If I grew up in a more conservative city where it is dominated by one race, then my views would most likely be more anti-immigration and I would not be as open to embracing unfamiliar cultures. I also feel that since I am exposed to more diversity, this will allow me to grow up to be an open-minded human being who does not judge people based on where they come from, but y their character.

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Based on my political beliefs, I am moderate (Market Skeptic Republican). For example, I believe that corporate businesses are harming the US economy by expanding into other countries, which tends to be a more conservative view. However, I also believe that our government should be doing more to tackle climate change, which tends to be a more liberal view.

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(Post #6)My Political Socialization - Family

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(Post #6)My Political Socialization - Family

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My family, especially my dad, has definitely helped shape my political ideology. My dad constantly rants about politics and the state of our country and state so I learn most of what I know about our government from him. My parents are also constantly watching the news and invite me to watch with them. Both my parents are immigrants and have had multiple racist encounters, so this would influence me to lean more towards the liberal side rather than conservative.