Seigenthaler, Gentry discuss lessons learned from the American Civil Rights Movement

Lipscomb students had the opportunity to learn about the civil rights movement from two Nashville legends in a special presentation at The Gathering Feb. 23.

 

John Seigenthaler Sr. and Howard Gentry were the featured speakers for “Learning from Legends: Lessons Learned from the American Civil Rights Movement” as part of the university’s Black History Month series, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

 

 Seigenthaler, former publisher of The Tennessean and founding editorial director for USA Today, was administrative assistant to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy in the early 1960s. Seigenthaler’s work in the field of civil rights led to his service as chief negotiator with the governor of Alabama during the Freedom Rides. During that crisis, while attempting to aid Freedom Riders in Montgomery, Ala., he was attacked by a mob of Klansmen and hospitalized. He founded the First Amendment Center in 1991 with the mission of creating national discussion, dialogue and debate about First Amendment rights and values.

 

Gentry, CEO of the Nashville Chamber Public Benefit Foundation and chairman of the Metropolitan Social Services Commission, is former vice mayor for Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County. He grew up in Nashville at the height of the civil rights movement in the city.

 

Each shared their remembrances of the civil rights movement and the death of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968.

 

“I was passionately distraught when I learned of Martin Luther King’s death,” said Gentry. “I thought that my hope had died with Martin Luther King. But, I was surrounded by family, ministers, friends and others who kept my hope alive.”

 

Gentry was a student at Nashville’s Pearl High School at the time of King’s death. He said news of his death left Gentry confused and with a desire to “do something about it.”

“My dad said, ‘Your mother and I have already taken the abuse. It’s time for you to move forward with your life.’ In my heart I knew that Martin Luther King died for a reason. Not to kill someone, but to live,” he said.

 

Seigenthaler recalled a speech made by Kennedy at a political campaign rally in Indianapolis on the day of King’s murder.

 

“There were several people who encouraged Kennedy not to make the speech that night. But, he wanted to go ahead with the speech. He spoke that night without notes and from the heart,” said Seigenthaler.

 

“His words from that night will always stick in my mind … the power, passion and beauty of those words at such a tragic time. Then, about five weeks later, Kennedy was killed. Two beautiful bright lights working the rights of all men were gone within weeks of each other.”

 

Gentry challenged students, faculty and staff to continue to look for opportunities to improve relationships in their communities.

 

“We can be proud of the diversity in Nashville, but it also brings with it challenges,” said Gentry. “Yes, we are better at race relations. But, there is still more work to be done.”