#732 living history

On vacation, we took a guided tour through the Alabama state capitol.  After seeing so many of them, they all start to look alike (to me), but what Montgomery has that no other capitol does is Arione Irby.  

Mr. Irby was a docent extraordinaire -- full of both humor and facts, with a zestful laugh and a way of making a tour of a building most entertaining.  In addition, he brought a piece of history to life with stories about his personal involvement in the civil rights movement.

Mr. Irby was one of the marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday (March 7, 1965).  Armed officers, with dogs and horses, attacked peaceful civil rights demonstrators as they attempted to march to the capitol.  Deputies used billy clubs and tear gas to stop those advocating for voter rights.  Irby said: "I was 19 years old. I did not want to die, but I was prepared to die" on that day.  

Seventeen marchers were hospitalized and the images of the brutality were broadcast around the world.  The march from Selma to Montgomery was seen as the turning point in the civil rights movement.  It was hard for me to imagine that such brutality and discrimination occurred and that we were speaking with someone who lived history rather than just read about it.  

Mr. Irby's efforts were not in vain.  At the time, he was not allowed in the capitol; now he was giving tours of it.  He received his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama and had two sons receive law degrees from there.  

It would be understandable if Mr. Irby was bitter toward the government or chose to distance himself from the workings of the state. Instead, he majored in history, is an active member of the Alabama Historical Commission and plans to participate in the commemorative march to mark the 50th anniversary next year.

Mr. Irby consciously chose to be brave 49 years ago, and he consciously chose to have a positive attitude ever since.  I think of the causes I believe in, yet often do not speak up for, let alone put my life truly at risk for something bigger.

We can all take lessons from Arione Irby on having the courage to take a stand, and then living a life worthy of the battle.  

Think of him today and go vote in the primaries.  Never take your rights or freedom for granted.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

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