Keep On Keeping On- Exploration 7 from Andrea Carwile

     The 1950s and 60s was a very trying time period for those involved in the civil rights movement in America. So many people faced frustration and let down, yet they never ceased to give up their fight for what was right. The documentary taught me that some things are worth fighting for despite the hardships and the consequences. Often times I become frustrated or I sense the feeling of being "too small" when I want a certain thing that I believe in to pass. This movie proved time and time again that no one is too small to make a difference. These African American people who seemed to be deemed as the lowest of the low fought for what they wanted and made a huge difference in our society. I may feel small, but sometimes I just have to keep fighting to get what I want.
     In the documentary Governor Patterson spoke of the actions of the Freedom Riders and he said this: "And you just can't guarantee the safety of a fool and that's what these people are. Fools." The fact that he called these people fools for working for their own rights is what made these times trying. People were working against them; they were doing everything in their power to stop these people from ending segregation. Freedom Rides was one of the most effective tactics the African Americans used. These people were beaten and mobbed, they were even sent to jail, yet they still kept fighting. They did the most simple thing possible and that was prove a point. They were there to prove a point. They weren't going to stop fighting. One of the most powerful statements made was said by Fred Shuttleworth. He said " It is a sin and a shame before God on a day like this, that these people who govern us would let things come to such a sad state. But God is not dead." They still chose to keep fighting for their spot at the front of the bus for a long time and that's what made the difference.
     Now because of their tireless work I am able to go to school with anyone and I can sit next to an African American in a restaurant. Because of the people in the film the United States now has an African American president and they have the right to work towards their own dreams. These people were very strong during trying times and they can teach us all that no fight is worth giving up if it means that much to you. 4,000 people had to march silently through a town to make a point. Another 300 people may have had to spend 60 days in a max security prison without a mattress for a couple nights because of the Freedom Rides to make a point. The fact of the matter is though, that there was a point to be made and they most certainly did. The certainly tried their absolute hardest when they were told to keep on keeping on.