Social Justice Action Team Hosts Freedom Rider Speaker

Freedom Rider Sister Mary Antona Ebo came to Parkway North High School on Nov.12 to discuss the importance of the civil rights movement, how students are affected the civil rights, and how students should focus on civil rights and live peacefully with one another.

“I think that students gain more from being a part of civil rights movements because it shows how it affects their life more,” said Sister Ebo.

Sister Mary Ebo, from Bloomington, Illinois, was a foster child who became a nurse then moved to St. Louis and became a sister of the Catholic Church. During 1963, the Selma Voting Campaign was starting to decide if it was legal for African Americans to vote. It was at this time that she got more involved with the civil rights movement.

“I learned [from Sister Ebo speech] that she used her faith a lot as a guide, and it gave her a lot of courage during the movement. She still uses her faith today when she talks about civil rights,” said junior Alyssa Villacis.

Social Justice Action Team is the group that brings up discussions about civil rights and how it affects the North Community. They have also brought in several speakers for students.

“If we do not talk about relationships between each other, then we fight each other,” said Sister Ebo.

The discussions and speakers allow more students the opportunity to talk about controversial subjects with others rather than just talking to their friends.

“I think that it’s still important to talk about civil rights because it opens my eyes to certain issues that are discussed,” said Villacis.

Today, many students are discussing whether race is an actual problem that needs attention or whether more civil rights issues are important such as religion and sexual orientation.

“Inequality for marriage is a big issue right now,” said Villacis.

Some Social Justice Action Team events that are coming up include a religious speaking panel, and there will be a school wide assembly about different perspectives of students.

 By:  Brianne Lewis  Ad Manager