Sunday, May 16, 2010

Picture is worth a thousand words....

I remember watching the movie "Remember the Titans" and couldn't help but think about the storyline. In the early 1970s, two schools in Alexandria Virginia integrate forming T.C. Williams High School. The Caucasian head coach of the Titans is replaced by an African American coach from North Carolina. Tensions arise when players of different races are forced together on the same football team. Many of these tensions are eased during the two-week training camp in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. When players returned to Alexandria the players found the city in turmoil due to the forced desegregation of the high school. As the season progresses the team's success caused the community to accept the changes. After the Titans' perfect season, the team and the city were closer than ever.

As I sat in the stands at George Daniel Field I noticed all the diversity and excitement around me. I couldn't help but think about the similarities of the T.C. Williams High School Titans and the now, Lorain High School Titans. Race, ethnicity, tensions and fears were all common in bringing both schools together. For one day, the city of Lorain had something to stand up and feel proud about. If the future of the school, city and the community at large is dependent upon this union; I feel very optimistic! Kudos to Matt Kielian (Leaders of Transition), Diane Conibear and the rest of the Lorain City Schools.

Words of Wisdom: It is time for any parent, grandparent, sibling and any concerned community leader to cast their fears behind them to embrace and support the Lorain High School Titans! Eastside, westside, southside and northside can coexist. If you don't want to take my word for it, see for yourself.

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3 comments:

  1. Larry CrnobrnjaMay 17, 2010 at 11:33 AM

    Chad,

    You are right; there is no reason these students can't go to school together.

    The real question is; how do you help the students that come from uncaring homes?

    And how do you stop those students from interfering with the students who want to learn?

    The answer is easy, but the solution is not.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kevin SalisburyMay 17, 2010 at 12:01 PM

    That picture is extremely inspiring. Great work Chad

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chad EarlMay 19, 2010 at 2:06 AM

    Larry,

    It is not a simple solution nor is it an easy task. I remember my grandfather telling me that anything worth achieving or having will take hard work and perseverance on my behalf. To answer your question, it is going to take hard work and perseverance on behalf of the LSB. OUR children need OUR support even the ones that come from "uncaring homes."

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