Amy Faulkner and Jill Notley are the English II honors teachers at China Spring High School. As part of the curriculum, students enrolled in the class complete a novel study exploring a nonfiction text. Every year, read the novel, Warriors Don’t Cry, by Melba Pattillo Beals. Beals is an established journalist and educator who was a member of the Little Rock Nine. She was one of nine black students who were the first to integrate into Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
While discussing the book, students expressed a desire to meet the author. Faulkner notes, “The experiences outlined in the book took place when Melba Beals was the same age as our students are now.” They wanted the opportunity for further discussion, to understand how Beals persevered through a significant moment in history.
“I went to my computer and Googled, ‘how to talk to Melba Beals,” Faulkner says. As it turns out, Beals offers an opportunity to host a live question and answer session with her via Zoom. Through a cohesive effort from China Spring High School Principal, Dr. Max Rutherford, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Kristen Dutschmann, and China Spring ISD Education Foundation, these students had the opportunity to meet Beals.
Via Zoom, Beals spoke with China Spring students about her life, the decision she made to enroll at Little Rock Central High School, and how she consciously advocates for equality. Beals encourages students to remember that they are unique, bringing a different perspective to events. She emphasized the importance of respecting differences and being curious about others.
“This is a great example of China Spring ISD faculty going above and beyond for our students,” states Dutschmann. These sophomores will learn more about the Little Rock Nine in their junior history class. Now, after having the opportunity of hearing Beals’s experience firsthand, these students will have a greater understanding and context for discussions to come.