Earlier this semester, Ball State University welcomed Minnie-Jean Brown Trickey to our campus as part of Constitution Week. On Tuesday, September 15th, Minnie-Jean presented her story and answered questions about schools desegregating for the first time. The audience—full of children, college students, parents, teachers and other adults—were buzzing with excitement and the opportunity to learn.
In 1954, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka became a landmark decision of the Supreme Court. This ruling ultimately banned public schools from being segregated. In the years following, there were many instances of riots and uproar about the decision. Many white Americans protested against African-American students gaining the right to get an education at their schools. Many people today have heard the inspiring tale of Ruby Bridges attending an all white elementary school. However, there was another group of students—The Little Rock Nine—who were among the first to gain national attention for simply exercising their right to an education.
In 1957, Minnie-Jean began attending Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas. During this event at Ball State, she spoke about the details of her time there, her activism later in life, and her outlook on where we are today. She recounted that she was one of nine African-American students to first attend this all white high school. On her first day, she was met with angry mobs and the National Guard. White students, parents, and other adults were screaming racial slurs, making threats, and telling these African American children to “go back to Africa”. She was 15 at the time, and though she was young, she knew that this issue was going to be larger than just herself and her experiences. Looking back on her life, Minnie-Jean kept her spirits high with the support of her fellow Black classmates, her mother, and herself. She stayed at Central High School out of spite for her racist white classmates until she was expelled in 1958.
Later on in this event, several students and audience members were given the chance to ask questions about Minnie-Jean and her experiences. Some of the key questions and responses are as follows.
What advice would you give to your past self?
“Don’t be so beautiful.” Minnie-Jean recounts many white students trying to put her into boxes and label her as “inferior” or “ugly”. Despite the hate, threats, and racial slurs thrown her way, Tickey said she would relive every single day again if she had to.
What is some advice or words of encouragement you would give to younger generations?
“Don’t let them scare you.” Minnie-Jean explained that speaking up, listening, and finding commonality between us is the only way for things to change for the better. She understands the struggles and fears surrounding protests and speaking out against larger institutions. However, she emphasized that all communities and cultures have been exploited and dealt with their own struggles. We all have the same needs, wants, and goals that keep us going. We all want to eat and live and experience new things. We need to recognize that Black people are not trying to take over our jobs or our country; they are simply just here to live like everyone else.
“A smile can save a life.” Minnie-Jean encouraged adults and youth to save each other. We need to make art, love each other, and love the earth. When in doubt, love one another because that’s all we have sometimes. If we realized that we are more alike than different (a word Tickey despises because it promotes separation), we can recognize what still needs to change in the world.
What brings you joy?
“My children.” Minnie-Jean spoke highly of her adult children who are involved in their own causes and activism. She loves watching them grow and fight for the issues they are passionate about. Tickey loves learning about other cultures, countries, and people. Going into these new situations or conversations with a clear mind helps expand her thinking and ways of viewing the world. Seeing the youth be inspired by her stories and participating in their own types of activism is more than enough to put a smile on her face.
Who is your personal hero?
“It was me, but anyway…” She was and still is proud of all the work and accomplishments she has done in her activism. Minnie-Jean is more than satisfied with her younger self for standing up against all the hate she received for wanting an education; she’s grateful she never tolerated the bullying or hate speech.
In addition to viewing herself as her hero, she also described her 8 fellow Black classmates and her mother as heroes to her. Her mother tried protecting her from a lot of the negative things that were happening in the community and supported her daughter’s decision to go to Central High School. The other eight of Little Rock Nine remained close, even to this day. Trickey detailed that they all supported each other through high school and beyond. Even though a few members of this group have since passed on, their legacy is strong.
Was desegregation “worth it”?
“Let’s talk about the truth.” This odd question was met with a very powerful statement from Trickey. She stated that “profound intentional ignorance” is what drives hate and racial divide. She admitted that her experiences and activism was hard but it wasn’t for nothing. The reason she can speak at Ball State University is because of desegregation. The reason this audience member was able to attend university was because of her contributions to desegregation. Minnie-Jean Brown Trickey is one of the many reasons every single person across America can get an education, no matter skin color or race.
How do you keep going?
“I’m here.” When you stand by and say nothing, who do you think you are supporting? Minnie-Jean asked this question that really resonated with audience members as of late. Sometimes all you can do is show up, for yourself and for others. As human beings, we aren’t born knowing how to do most things, but we just do it anyway. We need to be learning our true history—the kind that is ugly, violent, unforgiving, and oppressive. We need to understand how our country was built and founded to know where we need to improve it.
“Go out of spite.” Over the years, she has had days full of rage, sadness, courage, and every emotion in between. She recognized that these feelings and emotions are normal and need to be honored. Having these feelings means we have beliefs, morals, and firm stances on issues. We need to keep these feelings and let them fuel and inspire us to change the world. She warned the audience to think for themselves and form their own identity. Society will try to label you and shove you into boxes based on your appearance. Trickey encourages others to ignore these limiting categorizations and be the person you want to be.
Looking back on this event, I was filled with a sad sort of inspiration. I felt both hopeful and hopeless at the same time. Immediately after this event wrapped up, I sat in my car and cried. I cried for many different reasons. I wept for the little girl in me who has been told time and time again that she “isn’t Black enough”. I cried for what my ancestors, both Black and brown, have gone through. I shed tears over the current state of our government and country.
It was a surreal experience being able to hear first-hand accounts of such a major historical event. However, I can’t help but get a melancholy feeling in my chest when thinking of all the protests, sit-ins, and contributions of Black Americans and how it still is not enough. It’s hard to look at this country and not be embarrassed of where I live. It makes me feel uneasy that police brutality is still as prevalent as debates of voting rights and citizenship. It worries me that future generations will have to continue to carry these same burdens as Minnie-Jean did.
Despite all these feelings and worries, I am trying to take Minnie-Jean’s advice. I’m trying to become a more empathetic person that practices inclusivity each and every day. I am trying to get the most out of my education and encourage others to keep furthering theirs. I want to continue to explore other places, cultures, and communities so I may learn about other beliefs, values, morals, and perspectives.
I might not be able to change the world, but I can change part of it, even if that part is only myself. And if we all change a small part, we will change the world together. As Minnie-Jean Brown Trickey so eloquently stated, “Kids can make presidents act,” and that is enough to keep me going.