“Can anything good come out of Selma? I believe it has.” Diane
We traveled from Chicago, Atlanta, California, Texas, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Minnesota to Selma for the fiftieth reunion of the Selma High School Class of 1972. This is our story.
1971. The Coming Storm
The year 1971 marked a pivotal moment in our city’s history. Deborah Clower Street and Stephen Tidwell Sr. recounted their vivid experiences from the first day of the school merger between R.B. Hudson and A.G. Parrish. “Media outlets descended on Selma, with every news organization seeking controversy. However, no riots, fights, or incidents took place. Principal James A. Street said, ‘Where are the news outlets after the first day was a success?'”
Ultimately, the reporters left without a story, yet they overlooked the best one. Within the halls of Selma High, a revolution was unfolding.
The administration established student-led communication councils. Tension emerged in those meetings. I recall one session where shouting and disagreement prevailed, and I was frightened. Yet, sometimes, our group decisions created chinks in the barriers. In my naivety, I couldn’t understand why people did not get along, but I realized the reason when I offered to drive a sick classmate home. She feared what our community would do if they saw us together. I drove to the railroad tracks as she asked and watched her walk home. I grew up that day to the grim reality of fear and strife.
The Turmoil of the Time
Tom Whetstone, a member of the steering committee, described the turmoil. “Everything during that time was strange and challenging for residents, our town, and the state. In hindsight, changes were necessary; they positively affected our lives and shaped who we are today. In 1971, we struggled to form a new identity at Selma High School. Even though we attended the same school, some classmates never crossed paths, as the student body exceeded three hundred. We attended different classes, spent afternoons working at local businesses and hospitals, or participated in different clubs.” Tom concluded. “It’s never too late to admit past errors. I’m thankful I set aside my dislike for what happened to our schools and found a treasure chest of great friends I will cherish forever.”
Jerome Dangerfield, the committee’s financial officer, shared his thoughts: “We stayed in our small group of friends as we dealt with the challenges around us. I love attending gatherings to reconnect, reminisce about our shared experiences, and sometimes find closure on unresolved issues. Many of our classmates feel the same way.”
Our 50th Reunion
With that backdrop, we eagerly prepared for our fiftieth reunion, recognizing that the steering committee truly reflected a microcosm of the class. If we listened with open hearts and transparency, perhaps our classmates could do the same. The biggest challenge was finding our class; we couldn’t connect with everyone, and some had sadly passed away. We understood that returning to reminders of fear, regret, or negative high school experiences could be a barrier.
Despite our mixed emotions, the committee moved forward. Kathy Kincey Wood beautifully expressed the spirit of the team: “It’s been a blessing to reconnect with childhood friends who grew up with me and shared similar experiences. This committee shares the same goal.”
The committee formed lasting friendships by sharing details about their lives. Classmates joined our Facebook page, helping to foster a sense of community. Many encouraged others to return to Selma. Individuals came to reconnect with friends, revisit past experiences, meet new people, and visit family.
James King, another committee leader, consistently and effectively spearheaded efforts to unite the class. His grace and quiet determination called us back to Selma. King said, “I attended the events because it’s an opportunity to share ideas and strengthen bonds. The gatherings are valuable for personal and corporate growth.” A reunion attendee, Lynn Doty Kirkland, added, “I always think of our class as resilient. We weathered some tumultuous times. Everyone agrees we grew up in the same place and faced similar circumstances.”
By 2022, all planning had concluded, and the reunion took place. Arts Revive hosted our classy fiftieth reunion. A balloon arch in blue and gold, alongside white tablecloths, unique lighting, and elegant centerpieces, enhanced the ambiance of the venue. The endeavor highlighted Jerome Dangerfield’s effective, boots-on-the-ground approach. His administrative skills and willingness to help stood out over the weekend. To assist us in navigating our past and present worlds, Pheaton Guinn utilized his design talents to create picture name tags and a banner. Cynthia Stapler Hammerle, who lived in Selma, guided us with local decisions. The catered food was exceptional. No one left hungry. The Selma Boys entertained the crowd with songs from our era, accompanied by laughter and dance moves we would regret the next day. As a joke, some classmates reenacted photos from our yearbook, and we had a good laugh comparing the past with the present.
Reflecting With Our Keynote Speaker
Rounding out the evening, Brenda Ayler-White, our keynote speaker, reminded us of the challenges we all shared.
“Class of 1972, most of you knew me as Brenda Lewis. Thank you for attending our fiftieth class reunion. Each of us has a retrospective view. Whatever your thoughts, let’s not be too hard on ourselves. Can we agree that difficulties and mistakes shaped us? I refer to those times as chiseling moments.
“This weekend offers a chance for us to reflect on our graduation day memories. Do you recall the sensation of stepping out of Memorial Stadium and saying, ‘What now?’ We spent twelve years sitting behind a desk. School profoundly shaped us.
“After high school, I considered my options. A job? College? School required money, and my family was poor. If I attend college, where do I go? My dad, who lived on Long Island, wanted me to attend college in New York. With all these thoughts swirling, I left Memorial Stadium to celebrate with my family.
“My story starts before graduation with a pivotal moment—motherhood. My son Roderick was born two weeks before my fourteenth birthday. My grandparents raised me, and the pregnancy shocked my family, leaving them angry and disappointed. I was terrified, but from the moment Roderick moved in my womb, I wanted to keep him. With God’s help and support from family and friends, I raised Roderick and went to school. How does a teenage girl succeed with a child?
“Principal James Street motivated me to tackle challenges. While you may know his name, not everyone shares my feelings. I’m not here to change your perspective; I’m just sharing mine. My relationship with Mr. Street helped me trust those who were different from me. He believed in my success. He created a positive vulnerability in my life. While many supported me, my bond with Mr. Street was unique, as it released a part of me that needed to be freed. Now I understand that relationships can form across racial, economic, and religious lines. He often said, ‘Young lady, you are smart and can compete with anyone. I expect great things from you.’
“Our conversations changed my path. College became a reality. When I received my university diploma, my son cheered, inspiring his mother to continue striving for success.
“After fifty years, we can replay our history and see what life has given us. We have less time ahead than we do behind. Although this realization is daunting, I hope we can find peace. As a woman of faith, I draw strength from my Savior, and my faith molds the final chapter of my life.
“Let hardships and victories inspire us to lift those who struggle. We were created to love our fellow man, but love can be difficult, and sometimes we are unlovable. Our society is divided and angry. Hate and cruelty prevail because our culture lacks the civility to treat one another with respect.
We were created to love our fellow man, but love can be difficult, and sometimes we are unlovable.
“What is the solution? We are. Don’t fuel the chaos of hatred. Choose compassion and model respect. See each other as brothers and sisters forged from adversity. The Class of 1972 understands the challenge of uniting diverse opinions. We lived it and can testify to the success of those tumultuous years. May we remain unafraid of the shaping chisel and strive to improve our world.”
Thunderous applause filled the room because Brenda addressed the issues head-on. She expressed what many of us could not. And we knew it.
Where Do We Go from Here?
After the reunion, the Class of 1972 returned home. Strands of our journey unfold each time someone from our class embraces the experience and chooses to be a catalyst for change. The news media did not cover our fiftieth reunion, but our transformed lives are the only story that truly matters.