We were sent to desegregate a high school in Boston | Video Essay

“What I remember most are the sounds. The explosive impact of rocks and bricks smashing through the windows of the school bus. The quick, swirling speed of shattered glass missing my face by inches. The piercing, frightful screams of injured children frantically crying out for someone to rescue us. My body crouching under the seats of the school bus, crawling, burrowing deep into the floor in hopes of finding refuge.”
Leola Hampton was a 14-year-old high school student when Boston’s desegregation busing program began. The program started after Judge W. Arthur Garrity ruled that the Boston School Committee, which serves as the school board for Boston Public Schools, was guilty of intentionally segregating the city’s schools. Phase one of the plan began with Black and White high school kids getting bused to each other’s neighborhood for school.
Watch as she recalls her experiences traveling through anti-desegregation protests to get to her predominantly White high school.
This week, we mark the 50th anniversary of the court ruling that initiated busing in Boston. Together, joint coverage from The Emancipator and WBUR will introduce you to stories such as this - and much more. Read Leola Hampton's full essay here: theemancipator...
Thumbnail image: Leola Hampton, who rode the bus to South Boston High School in September 1974 at the age of 14. (Photo Credit: Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
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[@the_emancipator]

The struggle for equity and equality in education continues today. What do you think has changed since Boston's busing program was implemented 50 years ago?

[@Andrew-gq2ot]

I remember seeing this on the News on the west coast at that time I'm in Jr High School. My response then was, why not have quality education in neighborhood schools? And I don't wanna go to schools with those who don't wanna got to school with me. My goal is to be free & not to strive for the acceptance or validation of anybody.... True then True now

[@shirleymays4287]

Beautifully said, and painfully true.

[@NathanielPutnam-pt6bb]

Leola, thank you for sharing your story. Racism still exists in Boston today as housing and rent prices continue to displace folks.

[@mrt4912]

it's all over. 😢😢😢😢