68-year-old White Woman Rejoice As She Graduates As Valedictorian From a Historically Black College

Cursory: Patricia Reeves, grew up in a family that was not very inclusive of people of color. She always felt that something was off with the segregation in the communities. Patricia, now grown decided to enroll in an HBCU, where she got enlightened and even gave a Valedictorian speech.

The valedictorian of a nearby institution came from a family that didn’t always value diversity.The entire family received a historical education with Patricia Reeves’ graduation.

“The year I was born, my parents with their two children, moved to a city where there were no people of color and that was intentional,” Reeves said. Reeves was born at the height of segregation and is now 68 years old.

“They are called sundown cities and there are many of them in the north,” she said. “The cities are incorporated to be all white.”Reeves said, “Everything was segregated.”

“Nobody of color could buy a home or rent and live in that city overnight,” Reeves said.

“So, I never grew up with any people of color.”

Even as a young child, Reeves had concerns about her upbringing. She recalled her mother telling her that she wouldn’t comprehend. Years later, however, a social justice initiative transformed her life and provided her with the education and platform she had never imagined.

“At the end of those programs, we were challenged to do something, do something more with what we learned,” Reeves said.

Reeves decided to return to school as a result. She chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a historically black college or university even though she already held an associate’s degree.

Reeves applied to Louisville’s only HBCU, Simmons College of Kentucky, but had doubts.”I think the mental thought is that all HBCUs are only for Black people,” Reeves said.

Reeves claimed that the last three years had been more than merely instructive, adding that the authorities assured her that everyone was welcome there.

“They opened my eyes to a lot of issues that I never ever would have thought of,” Reeves said.

Reeves wants to aid in the opening of more eyes. She claimed that the staff, management, and students had taught her more than she is able to articulate.

Reeves delivered the commencement address on Saturday during Simmons’ 144th graduation as valedictorian.Her classmates weren’t the only ones applauding as she walked across the stage to collect her degree.

“My sister was here, who grew up in the same house and that sundown city with me,” Reeves said. “I think she understands more now.

“There were at least a dozen other family members from out of state. They came from Ohio, Michigan and Florida.

Reeves has a sociology degree from a university founded by freed slaves, but having grown up during a time when segregation was prevalent. She intends to keep learning both for herself and other people.

“The hard work and everything that Black folks did for this school, it’s just amazing,” Reeves said.

Source: WDRB.com

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