Introduction: Background
Origins in abject poverty. Related to Chapter 8’s topics of status granted a group based on race.
Relocated Looking for a Better Life. Continued to live similar to the plantation with the company store and poverty. Racism continued to define the family.
Looking for a Way Out of Social Inequality. College on an athletic and scholastic scholarship.
Becoming an Activist
Moving to Oklahoma. Unaware of racism in Norman at that time.
Happy to Go. Race riots were motivating for change from violent racism.
The Harsh Reality of Racism. OU’s segregation of the students became clear quickly with lack of housing and harassment.
Building a Reputation. He was labeled a rabble rouser, a carpet bagger from Detroit.
Family Life in Norman.Changing from a black community to functioning in a white one.
Understanding Racism.
Racism on Campus
Being a Black Student. “Bigots attack self-esteem
Becoming a Voice for Black Students. Working within the system for equality.
Religion and Activism. Creating change non-violently. Chapter 13 discussed how black churches became a force for unity and black political life.
The Need for White Acceptance. The majority versus the minority.
Blacks in Comparison. Better if “whiter”.
Methods for Change
Developing a Style. Self-confidence without violence. Make them think.
The Day George Henderson Slipped and Became a Racist. In an OU speech, he stated the white people present had killed Martin Luther King, Jr. A lesson in control.
Changing Attitudes
Changing Personally.
George’s Marriage. They are inseparable, and he thinks she is the wiser. Chapter 12 states marital quality is higher among older adults with more love and affection.
An Uphill Battle. Declared a radical. Difficult communication.
Philosophy of Racism
Reasons for Racism.
Becoming Equal.
George’s Growth as an Individual.
Becoming One People.
How To Do It.
Get a Dream.
Conclusion.
Following a successful career, George retired after 39 years as a teacher. Dr. Henderson has authored or coauthored thirty-three books and fifty articles (Ou.edu, 2014). He continues to be a voice for racial equality.
References
Ou.edu. (2014). Dr. George Henderson. Retrieved 30 December 2014, from
http://www.ou.edu/cas/hr/About_the_HR_Department/Henderson.html
Perry, J., & Perry, E. (2013). Contemporary society: An introduction to social science (13th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
