This year marks the 60th anniversary of racial integration at Auburn University.
Putting it into perspective, 60 years was really not that long ago. People who get to experience the "new normal" of integration at Auburn University have grandparents that would not have been able to attend the university.
Harold Franklin Jr. was the first African American to become an Auburn student on Jan. 4, 1964. Auburn has made progress since desegregating. Auburn as a community, however, still has a ways to go.
Segregation is different from racism. Segregation has been outlawed, but racist tendencies can still persist.
Auburn has expressed its efforts to continue to spread awareness and prevent racism and its segregationist history from repeating itself.
The Office of Inclusion and Diversity focuses on encouraging diversity, networking and giving opportunities. It's important to learn while creating a safe place for all.
Even though our school is integrated now, we must continue to educate ourselves on the history of racism in this country and how it has affected people of color. Education is what puts an end to history from repeating itself.
Now in 2023, students have the ability to break generational curses and to try to set a better example of how the world should be and how people should treat each other.
On top of that, it’s important that we are sensitive to microaggressions because those have just as negative of an impact, although they might seem more hidden and minor.
On June 11, 1963, Alabama Governor George Wallace said, “Segregation now. Segregation tomorrow. Segregation forever.” This quote is haunting even though Wallace is long since out of office.
Unfortunately, there are still people who believe African Americans and other POCs are of a lower class, dangerous and unworthy. This is an issue of ideology, and it has to stop. The color of your skin or where your ancestors are from is not indicative of social class or human worth.
So, on this 60th anniversary of racial integration, a practical tip is to look at your friend group. Are they a diverse group of people?
It's important to make sure you are surrounded by people that aren't all like you. This will help you learn about their experiences and become more empathetic.
Make sure you’re doing these things not only because it will create a healthy and diverse environment of inclusion, but it will also strengthen your character as an individual.
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Jakai Spikes, senior in Journalism, is a writer at The Auburn Plainsman.
