92 YEAR OLD WOMAN GETS HER LIBRARY CARD DENIED HER BECAUSE OF RACE DISCRIMINATION

73 years ago, Pearl Thompson (pictured above) was denied a library card just because she was black. Something she did not choose to be but was born with. I saw this post on clutchmagonline.com and I just could not help but write about it. This woman was denied a right to read books just because of the color of her skin, although she said she didn't have hate in her heart but i can't help but think of how painful it must have been to be denied a right to learn.



Relating it to happenings in Nigeria where most admissions are based on State of Origin and not just merit alone I begin to see a trace of racism, tribalism right amongst us. Where even in interaction we cannot even stand ourselves just because our tribes are different, we are the same race but just our languages and orientation differs. Can we overcome this? That is a question that I can not even put myself to ask my colleagues because most of them are tribalists and they don't even know it, to us its just who we are. 

NYSC opened my eyes to how far behind we are as a nation that even this scheme that is meant to unite us is tearing us apart the more. Where even in communication there are still traces of "Its my land and you cannot push me around" or "I have been told about you people before and i am not surprised". I tried to have an open mind and even though i was cautious i could still make friends from other tribes, in fact most of my friends where from the other side of the Niger. Maybe it is my interest in languages or maybe i am just simply open to learning and adventures but i enjoyed myself for sure.

This woman's resolve and patience made just look around and hope that even as we move ahead as a nation may we not only be this patient with ourselves but not wait too long to conquer our shortcomings.

Pearl Thompson is an hero and she just doesn't know that yet, she did not hold out because she wanted to be singled out, she held out because she knew she would overcome. That hope alone made her see this day. So let's live together and one day we shall overcome.