Tougaloo has this incredible history. Medgar Evers spoke there. Fannie Lou Hamer trained there. It was a major hub of the civil rights movement. But that was 60 years ago. Does that history matter now? 
I asked a current student this question. She said: "The history is everywhere. But it's not a museum. It's a responsibility."
She explained that Tougaloo students still do activism. Voter registration drives. Community organizing. Education justice work. Not as a requirement — as a tradition.
I love that. But I'm also tired. I've been the "activist friend" since high school. Sometimes I just want to go to class and hang out with my friends. I don't want to carry the weight of history on my shoulders.
So here's my question: Can I be a normal student at Tougaloo? Or does everyone expect you to be the next civil rights leader?
I respect the legacy. I do. But I'm 20. I'm still figuring myself out. I don't want to be a symbol. I just want to learn.
I asked a current student this question. She said: "The history is everywhere. But it's not a museum. It's a responsibility."
She explained that Tougaloo students still do activism. Voter registration drives. Community organizing. Education justice work. Not as a requirement — as a tradition.
I love that. But I'm also tired. I've been the "activist friend" since high school. Sometimes I just want to go to class and hang out with my friends. I don't want to carry the weight of history on my shoulders.
So here's my question: Can I be a normal student at Tougaloo? Or does everyone expect you to be the next civil rights leader?
I respect the legacy. I do. But I'm 20. I'm still figuring myself out. I don't want to be a symbol. I just want to learn.
