Seminal Civil rights activist Minnijean Brown-Trickey visited the Skyline Multicultural center to address current social issues on Friday, February 6.

Brown-Trickey played a role in helping to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas by being among the first African-American students enrolled at the school.

Brown-Trickey has been politically active since her time in Little Rock, raising awareness through her involvement in political causes as well as a facilitator for the Sojourn to the Past Project, in which high school and college students are given the opportunity to see historic sites and meet key leaders of the Civil Rights era. She currently teaches a course titled Civil Rights: The U.S. Civil Rights Movement at all three colleges in the San Mateo Community College district.

Several faculty members and students attended the reception for an opportunity to meet Brown-Trickey and hear her speak candidly about her experience being one of the nine students known in U.S. history books as “The Little Rock Nine.” Skyline President Dr. Regina Stanback-Stroud addressed how Brown-Trickey’s experience had a direct impact on the opportunities available to the African-American community, including herself.

“She did many courageous things so that, quite frankly, so that I can stand here,” Stanback-Stroud said as she introduced Brown-Trickey to the intimate group awaiting her. After addressing the crowd, Brown-Trickey made herself available to students and faculty for pictures and shared her personal thoughts on what should be on America’s mind in regard to equality.

“We’ve come a long way since Central (High School), but it is this generation’s duty to continue to work toward equality,” Brown-Trickey said. “It’s kind of like divide and conquer. That’s the American way to keep groups separate. The revolutionary thing is to join with others.”

Dean of Social Sciences Donna Bestock believes that Brown-Trickey brings a rich experience to Skyline students and hopes the college will be able to offer the course in the future.

“We were very excited to have been able to have Minnijean join our staff and think that her presence brings out a new enthusiasm in her students,” Bestock said. Brown-Trickey’s presence on campus has been a positive force in motivating students to become socially active. Several Skyline College students have signed up to participate in Sojourn to the Past for the February trip, according to program organizer Jeff Steinberg.

“It’s an incredible experience, and it allows students to meet the key players of the time,” Steinberg said. “It’s one thing learning about it, but to be able to hear directly and to even shake hands with them really resonates and makes it real.”