12 Comments
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Jennifer Derksen's avatar

We so often underestimate the power of our words. I'm so glad he reached out to you to reaffirm your values and direction. One.Person.at.a.time. We, the people, have the power. "Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up." Jesse Jackson. RIP.

Linda's avatar

Laura - Your sweet face hides a spine of steel. You go, Girl!

Susan M. Barber's avatar

That is amazing! How impressive that he read it and called you! You embraced the mission he gave you!👏🏻

Allecia Harley's avatar

Whoo Hoo! That young lady was fire, and still is! 🔥🔥🔥🚀. Of course they changed that DAMN FLAG!

Susan Drouilhet's avatar

Wow, the power of a moment of our time to light a lifetime of inextinguishable fire in another. When we use our voices to empower others, power only grows. The right kind of power. Thanks so much for sharing your story, Laura. So inspiring. RIP Mr. Jackson. 🙏

Natalie Banks's avatar

A second comment: I went to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, home of the Bearcats and, until around 1994, the female sports teams were called "Bearkittens." When she arrived, my psychology advisor and mentor raised HELL, as you did, and started the movement to change the "kittens", allowing female athletes to grow up 😏 and stand alongside their male counterparts.

Caroline Niederman's avatar

Wow!! Thanks so much for sharing.

Laurel Carlson's avatar

My inbox is overflowing, but I kept saving this to read, finally got to it today and it is definitely worth saving and worth the wait!. Wow, a call from Jesse Jackson, impressive, and just as impressive as your activism. And thank you for posting I Am Somebody, I had a rough morning and really needed to hear that. Keep on fighting!

Laura Stone's avatar

Oh thank you so much, Laurel. And never forget you are somebody! <3

Veena Harbaugh's avatar

I love seeing you fight the good fight these days, Laura. And love this story of you at it back then. 💛

Natalie Banks's avatar

Laura, your piece compelled me to look up the history of your alma mater. And wow, they didn't change the flag until 1994 (I suspect that was around the time when you were there), or swap the "Rebels" and mascot until 2016, or drop the "Dixie" from their university name until 2022??!! It's a fascinating snapshot of history and racism. RIP Jesse Jackson ❤️ and thank you for rallying the rest of us!

Laura Stone's avatar

Utah is INCREDIBLY white (and racist). Particularly the more rural parts (aka, not SLC).