The Unintended Consequences of Integration
B.R.O: BLACK NEWS IN PERSPECTIVE Blacks lost their identity through integration, suggest Activists Who Marched with King in ’63.
Philadelphia’s Mayor Michael A. Nutter takes a class photo at a well integrated South Philadelphia Middle School. READ: Negro Mayor Hushes as Uncle Tom Puts a Whipping on Philly’s Youngsters. (Photo Credit: C. Norris – ©2013)
By Christopher “Flood the Drummer”® Norris
8.30.13: National — (Education/Activism): Barbara Blackburn, 70, and former teacher Harry Klugel, 72, were both in their twenties when they joined hundreds of thousands of Americans on the National Mall for the March on Washington in 1963.
Looking back on that historic day and what it represented, both Blackburn and Klugel say they’re grateful to be alive to see 50 years to the day, but admit they are disappointed in the conditions of today’s society.
In an interview conducted after the NEA retired members spoke to a room full of attentive youngster at the Black Youth Vote Summit held at the NEA Headquarters, the dream defending duo tell me that despite the good intentions of the Brown vs Board of Education ruling, that “blacks lost their identity through integration.”
(From L to R): BMe Leadership Award Winner Christopher “Flood the Drummer®” Norris, Barbara Blackburn, Harry Klugel and @BMePhilly Community Engagement Manager Alex Peay.(Photo Credit: C. Norris – ©2013)
“After integration, teachers were not taught how to interact with different cultures. In my opinion, that’s when the problems started, especially for our black boys. Integration is