Students from Mrs. Preslar and Mrs. Love's second-grade class got to meet history.
After reading books about African Americans throughout our history who have made contributions of all kinds, our students had an opportunity to speak with a trailblazer from our very own Country Day community.
A few years ago, the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) honored African American students who helped integrate schools in the 1960s as Trailblazers. BE James, Country Day’s head of security, was the first black student to attend Fuquay High School in Fuquay-Varina, NC. WCPSS recognized Mr. James as a Trailblazer in 2015.
Mr. James spoke to our students and shared his experience with school integration, helping to bring to life the story of Ruby Bridges, the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South.
Below are some of the questions our students asked Mr. James:
Mrs. Preslar’s class: Did you experience angry or hateful people like Ruby Bridges did?
BE James: Yes, at first, people were angry. I was scared to death.
Mrs. Preslar’s class: Do you think it was the wrong choice for you to volunteer to join that school?
BE James: At that time, I thought it was the right choice. I was always the first to volunteer, so I went for it. During that first year, I thought it was the worst thing, but then things got better. I almost quit because it was so hard. I guess I broke the ice.
Mrs. Preslar’s class: Did you make some friendships there?
BE James: Not at first, but eventually, I did. However, people were still angry. The reason [people] hate each other is they fear each other. The reason they fear each other is they don’t know each other. So talk to your neighbor and get to know them.
Mrs. Preslar’s class: How long did it take for you to feel like you were making a difference?
BE James: Some people still struggle with that because it takes some time.
Mrs. Preslar: It is still our job and responsibility to respect people; we still charge on with this mission. Kids can make a difference; we know because you and Ruby did!
Mrs. Preslar’s class: The highest honor in our classroom is when we see students showing perseverance. We give them the Perseverance Award. We want to give it to you. It is our way to say we are grateful for your perseverance and for inspiring us.
BE James: Thank you. You truly have made my day.