There was no Woolworth lunch counter serving whites only. No threats by white cloaked figures. No snarling police dogs or spraying fire hoses.
These were high school kids right here in Bowling Green, standing up to protest what they recognized as an injustice that had gone unnoticed by many adults.
Nearly 250 of them joined the National Day of Silence last year to raise awareness for people who cannot speak for themselves. The silent civil disobedience was organized by the Bowling Green High School Gay Straight Alliance.
For that and many other efforts, the alliance was recognized Friday with the Drum Major of Peace Award presented at the annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“It feels amazing. I’m so proud of us and the community,” student Lily Krueger said after the program. Krueger recalled the first time she joined in the Day of Silence, when controversial topics were discussed in a class and she had to keep her mouth shut. “It really teaches you what the day is about.”
The purpose of the group, advised by teacher Jennifer Dever, is to promote equality and understanding.
“We want to make people feel safe,” said Claire Wells-Jensen, a member of the organization.
The BGHS Gay Straight Alliance works to fight bullying, create “safe zones” for students needing support, and spur conversations that may lead to more understanding.
In presenting the group with the award, Rev. Mary Jane Saunders, who chairs the Bowling Green Human Relations Commission, said it often takes young people to be the moral compasses for the rest of society.
Like the four young people breaking the racist rules in 1960 at the Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, this student group is standing up for what is right and good and just.
“They are committed to making a difference in the world,” Saunders said.
It is only through these small groups of committed citizens, do the big changes in the world begin, she said.
While King dreamed of the day when people will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, these students are working toward the day when no one will be judged by their sexual orientation or identities.
“With creativity and courage, patience and persistence, this student-led group has changed the culture at their school,” Saunders said. “The school has become a place where all students can safely be their authentic selves.”
