Brush High School was honored to host Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr. who spoke to an audience of 200 students from Brush, Lakewood High School, Hawken Middle School, Facing History New Tech High School, Urban Community School, and Fuchs Mizrachi. Dr. Patton was a Freedom Rider and Civil Rights Activist during the 1960s. He shared his experiences as a Tennessee State University college student fighting for racial equality. Dr. Patton explained how he and his fellow activists were trained in tactics for non-violent protest and the role that music played in their training. Dr. Patton encouraged and empowered students to take a stand for what they believe in and told them that in order to make an impact they must put down their cell phones and step away from their computers. Change is made through relationships and relationships are built face-to-face. SEL is grateful to Facing History and Ourselves for making this event possible and inviting Brush to participate.
