Students Talk with Civil Rights Trailblazers

Students from heard firsthand about the Civil Rights Movement and the Voting Rights Act Thursday from three members of Congress.

The wide-ranging, hour-long conversation was conducted by teleconference with the government classes in St. Clair Shores with U.S. Reps. Sander Levin (D-MI), Terri Sewell (D-AL) and John Lewis (D-GA) in Washington, DC.

Each spoke about their path to Congress and how the Civil Rights Movement just a few decades ago affected their lives and the nation.

"Just think, the three of us couldn't board a Greyhound bus ... without the possibility of getting arrested," said Lewis. "We live in a better country, and we are a better country because of the Civil Rights Movement."

In addition to speaking to their Congressional representative, Levin, students spoke with Sewell, who is the first African-American woman to represent Alabama in Congress; and Lewis who was one of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and helped plan and speak on the March on Washington in August 1963.

South Lake was the only school in Levin's district that was chosen to participate in the conference due to the efforts through government teacher Beth Welles and technical ability to conduct the discussion, Levin said.

Student questions included what inspired them to run for office, what are their priorities in Congress and is there a difference on how men and women are treated in Congress.

Education funding also was a concern to students and was addressed by the members of Congress.

"We have to be sure we do the right thing as we face the deficit," Levin said. "To really strangle the opportunity for kids in K-12 and higher education would be a mistake."

Terence Barron, 16, of St. Clair Shores, was glad the members of Congress spoke to students.

"It was pretty amazing they spoke with us," said Barron. "My mom, dad and myself wouldn't have all these opportunities if it wasn't for them."

Rep. Sewell told the students to follow in the footsteps of the many leaders who came before them, and use them as an inspiration.

"We owe an amazing debt of gratitude to the previous generation," she said. "My question to you is: How are you going to serve the community?"

Rep. Lewis said he hoped the students will hear the call to service as he did in his youth.

"You are the leaders of the 21st Century. You must never give up or or give in," he said. "Maybe one day one of you may come to be in Washington."

Levin also challenged the students as the conference ended. "Carry on," he said. "The challenge is now yours."