El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz Public School Academy’s Family
Welcomes Mrs. Mamie Ruth King Chalmers
Mrs. Mamie Ruth King Chalmers served as a guest speaker at the Shabazz Academy Reading assembly on March 4, 2016. This activity was part of the school’s “March is Reading Month” Celebration. Mrs. Chalmers, who is better known as a ‘Foot Soldier for Civil Rights’ shared what it was like for an African American to live in the Deep South under the inhumane treatment of the “Jim Crow Laws.” Mrs. Chalmers was born in Birmingham, Alabama to a modest working class family. Mrs. Chalmers was encouraged to become involved by her church family and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Stand-up for the injustice against African Americans. According to Mrs. Chalmers biography, “while demonstrating, she suffered attacks of police brutality, police dogs, fire hoses and jail cell incarceration.” In 1968, the Birmingham jail officials pardoned Mrs. Chalmers was given a Key to the City, for her heroism acts of courage during the Civil Rights Movement.
In her visit with us, Mrs. Chalmers encouraged all to read, stand up for justice and never stop learning. She encouraged students to listen to their teachers and their parents. She reminded the students that they can make a difference. Lastly, Mrs. Chalmers encouraged the students to visit the library and read about their History. In conclusion, she told the students to never take freedom for granted. As stated in Mrs. Chalmers biography, “TRUTH CRUSHED TO EARTH WILL RISE AGAIN!”
B.Wills