Remembering Racism

Around 75 people of all different ages and races sat in Gainesville College desks and listened. They came to learn
more about Martin Luther King Jr., just one week before the holiday that bears his name. They also came for a panel discussion on past and present racism issues.

Gainesville College student, Erin Arrendale, hopes to apply the lessons of the Civil Rights movement to today.

"Now with all the tension going on, to remember how far we've come."

Specifically, Erin says she is talking about tension directed towards Middle Eastern Students after September 11th.

So students, like Erin, look to panelists like Mayor Myrtle Figueras for insight they can't get in textbooks.

Figueras was active in peaceful demonstrations during the Civil Rights movement. The black and white video shown at the first of Monday's presentation was hard for her to watch.

"It was very emotional because it brought back a lot of memories from when I was in college."

It brought memories like not going to the movies because of discrimination.

Figueras married
a man of Puerto Rican decent. Before intergration, Figueras's husband could walk through the theatre's front door, Figueras could not.

"That's one of those experiences I don't treasure, but it's made me see how much progress we've made over time."

Still, Figueras says there is progress to be made and that's why she feels like panels like Monday's discussion are especially important.

"I think it's very important that all of us remember our history and make sure we are doing everything we can do to lift the dignity of human beings."

Other panelists were Rev. Eugene Green, St. John Baptist Church, and Gainesville College Assistant Professors Douglas Young and Penny Mills. Students from the Student Government Association, Baptist Student Union, and Latino Student Association also spoke.