East students reflect on MLK holiday, say more education needed
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter
Four students from Williamsville East High School spoke with The Bee recently to discuss Martin Luther King Jr. and what he stood for in the 1960s.

"He spoke for all minorities," said Jordan Gill, a junior. "He strengthened awareness of what was going on back then."

Senior Bryan Blumlein said King spoke for the rights of other influential African-Americans, such as Rosa Parks, during that time. He also practiced nonviolent protests and inspired other activists to join sit-ins.

"His message still rings true today," Blumlein said of King's crusade for equal rights. "The importance of the day has diminished though."

He then suggested schools should learn about the activist the entire week of Jan. 15 - when America celebrates King's birthday.

"We remember what he did, but we take it for granted," said senior Kunda Chola.

Junior Pardees Goshtasb added that society's attitude toward people of different races and religions has gotten a lot better since the Civil Rights movement.

"Times have changed," Chola said. "It's not the same attitude."

Goshtasb countered, stating that people are still prejudiced.

However, Chola added that now there is prejudice against the lower class rather than race.

The senior said segregation occurs within the school, but it is between the popular students, those with a punk rock style - also known as "emo," and other cliques.

Goshtasb said the way to stop these stereotypes is by keeping an open mind.

Gill added that she notices a person's energy when she first meets them, but the school's cliques began in elementary school.

When asked if they learn about different cultures, Blumlein said students learn about Black History Month, but he would like to learn about other cultures as well.

He added that today's students do not have a long attention span, so the faculty should teach in a more exciting manner.

Gill agreed, stating that class participation might get people to open up and speak about their concerns.

She added that the school focuses on Asian history, unity and diversity, but it doesn't celebrate a particular person.

Chola said, "People are ignorant to other people's cultures. Not everyone got (King's) message."

Blumlein said it's because people were forced to obey the Civil Rights laws because the government instituted them after King was assassinated.

To overcome this, "people should not judge a book by its cover," he said. "Judge a person by their character."

Chola recalled trying to buy a cell phone in Amherst the other day.

"It was assumed that I was from Buffalo because I am black," he said. "If people stop being so ignorant, we would overcome that."

Blumlein suggested taking field trips to downtown Buffalo to interact with people that live there.

"We believe it is safe here in Amherst," he said. "Maybe if we ventured out we would see the positives of Buffalo and not just the risks."

He noted there is beautiful architecture in that area.

Gill has moved five times in her life, which includes other parts of the country. She said Amherst is the most aware of racial segregation.

Blumlein thought an elective should be offered on civil rights.

The students said Monday's holiday will be just another day off for them.

But Chola said he feels he should do something to remember King. He would like to read the speech "I Have a Dream" and/or watch the television specials.

"One person can't do something about racial segregation," Goshtasb said. "Everyone has to be on the same page."

"It started by one person," Chola said. "That's what Martin Luther King is all about."

e-mail: JSchmelzer@beenews.com