June 12, 2013 marked the 50th
anniversary of the death of Civil Rights activist Medgar Evers. Evers was killed by an assassin’s bullet in
front of his home shortly after returning from a community meeting and viewing
a civil rights speech given by President Kennedy. It is noteworthy that Evers became involved
in the Civil Rights Movement after he was denied admissions to the all-white
University of Mississippi Law School in 1954.
After being rejected, he sought the assistance of the NAACP, who immediately
hired him to help coordinate the organization’s work against segregation.
As the nation awaits the
Supreme Court’s decision in Fisher v.
University of Texas, we should take this time to reflect upon what this case means. As minority law students, this case has far
reaching potential, as it affects our future and the legacy of civil rights in
America. While there are a number of
valid points to be considered for both sides of the argument, the Court’s
decision will more than likely be determined by whether they believe
affirmative action in the United States has served its intended purpose, or
whether its outdated policies are more detrimental than beneficial for race
relations in the 21st century.
While many
of us are first generation college graduates, I would maintain that we more
than likely don’t possess the social capital to even begin to assess where
members of our families would be if it were not for affirmative action
programs. However, as I reflect upon my
great-grandparents’ stories of racism and discrimination, I imagine that if
they were alive today, they would be stunned by the notion that in 2013 our
nation’s highest court is deciding an education discrimination case brought by
white plaintiffs.
In a recent
interview, Mrs. Myrlie Evers-Williams, Evers’ widow, was asked what Evers would
think about American society today? She
replied, “"I believe he would look at the
landscape of this country and realize what so many of us have said: We have
made progress but there's still so much to be done, and if we don't guard the
progress we've made, that too will slip away,".
Equality
in education is an enduring issue that will undoubtedly require our attention
for years to come. One of the
cornerstones of NBLSA is a commitment to social change. As rising social engineers we should take
pride in acknowledging the fact that NBLSA is a part of a legacy of
organizations that continue to responsibly combat issues that affect our communities. We urge our members to take the time to browse
NBLSA’s advocacy section and read the amicus brief drafted in support of
affirmative action policies. Connect with us while history is in the
making!
Click here to view the Amicus Bried
