Brown V. Board of Education

"Segregation was, is, the way in which a society tells a group of human beings that they are inferior to other groups of human beings in the society." - Dr. Kenneth B. Clark

We are here, we who volunteer, we who travel great and small distances for this project are here to serve, but more importantly to learn. To learn that which we don't know about Navajo culture, that which we don't know about the art and craft of teaching and that which we don't know about the role that others have played in the shaping of the American fabric.

Today, Steve, Danny and I had the pleasure of visiting Monroe School in Topeka, Kansas. It is the school made famous by the Brown vs the Board of Education case that made "separate, but equal" unacceptable. We spotted it as we continued our journey towards the reservation and thought it might serve as a great place to both learn more about what has become merely a name in the great cases of the civil rights movement and educational history, as well as, a great photo op to show those who may have never seen the place.

Monroe Elementary School. Topeka, Kansas

During the trip we saw a video that discussed, why education, it's supposed to give people power, allow them to challenge the system in a manner that is understood, articulate and powerful. This idea has been adopted into the words of many universities, individuals and organizations, but here is a place that is iconic, for talking the talk and walking the walk. All one can hope is that we are all as bold.

In other news on the status of our trip: Currently in Liberal, Kansas. On the way into town a sign proudly proclaimed "Welcome to the Land of Oz". Personally, I'm hoping there is a scarecrow that can dance and sing like Michael Jackson.

J.L