Freedom Riders

Last week I was watching a re-run of Oprah.  It was all about the "Freedom Riders".  I was so inspired by their stories.  I had heard about this remarkable group of people before, but hearing the details of their experiences was amazing and awe inspiring.  Oprahʻs studio was filled with 178 survivors of the Freedom Rides.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Freedom Riders

The story of John Lewis was particularly moving.  He was one of the bus riders who endured the torment of angry white mobs.  Mr. Lewis had been beaten by two white men.  As they were kicking and beating him they asked him, "Who do you think you are?  What are you here for?"  And Mr. Lewis responded, "I mean no harm.  I am here for love."  That one line made a huge impact on me.  "I am here for love."

Congressman John Lewis - one of the Freedom Riders

Mr. Lewis survived and went on to become a U.S. Congressman.  Many years after his attack, one of his attackers tracked him down and met with him, asking for his forgiveness.  Congressman Lewis graciously took his attacker in his arms and forgave him.  What an amazing example of Christ-like love.  The two appeared on the Oprah show together and as the attacker talked and shared his story, Mr. Lewis held his hand and comforted him.  The two have gone from enemies to friends who respect each other.

This show truly changed me.  I realized that history, especially the negative parts, holds so many life lessons on so many levels.  How African Americans were treated, the mistreatment and injustices, the violence, anger, and hatred, should never be forgotten.  As Oprah says, "when you know better, you do better", and history helps us to know better so that we can do better.  What is just as important though is how these young men and women chose to respond then, and more importantly, now.

Diane Nash, leader of the sit-in movement in Nashville.

They stood up for what they believed in.  They took risks to bring about positive change in the world.  They were non-violent and responded in love.  Years later when their offenders came seeking forgiveness, they forgave them, embraced them, and once again, brought love.  So many of them had endured the most horrific trials imaginable, yet they found it in their hearts to forgive.  They CHOSE to forgive.  In my opinion, this is true Christ-like love, the purest love there is.

There are many comparisons that can be made in Hawaiian culture.  The injustices that occurred in my own culture need to be taught so that we do not make the same mistakes again.  Just as important, though, we need to find examples in our culture who stood for change and who made a positive difference.  This inspired me to incorporate these lessons in my curriculum at school.

As a teacher I have the power to influence the next generation for good.  I have the power to inspire them, motivate them, and give them the wisdom and courage to make a difference in the world.  My commitment over Fall Break is to develop lessons and curriculum that teaches my students the truth of Hawaiian history and politics and inspires them to be "movers and shakers" in our community who stand for positive change.  Incorporating examples like the Freedom Riders, the Arkansas 9, and other heroes in other cultures is important and of course, highlighting our own cultural heroes will be the foundation of the curriculum.

So, I salute the many African Americans who were courageous enough to stand up for equality and humble enough to bring love to situations of violence.  I salute those who asked for forgiveness and who have chosen to break the cycle of prejudice and racial inequality.  Their stories have inspired me to inspire the next generation!