ALL HE WANTED WAS A CHEESEBURGER
By Ruby
While on our trip to the South, we were lucky enough to meet Bruce Boynton. Mr. Boynton is the son of famous Civil Rights activist Amelia Boynton, who advocated for African-American rights and participated in the march from Selma to Montgomery. Mrs. Amelia Boynton raised Bruce to fight for his rights, no matter the consequences. When our group spoke to Mr. Boynton, he told us that even as an eight-year-old, he advocated for himself by refusing to go leave the whites-only section on the train and sit in the colored car.
Of course, everyone wanted to hear the story that made him famous. Bruce said that he was at the bus station, simply waiting, when he became hungry. So he walked to the blacks-only food court, only to find that it was dirty and not very well managed. Instead of eating at the blacks-only food counter, Bruce walked himself over to the whites-only food counter and ordered a cheeseburger. He was promptly arrested for his actions by the manager. Bruce explained to us that he wasn't looking to stand up for his rights at that particular moment. What he really wanted was his cheeseburger, but instead he was arrested.
In the wake of his story, I asked him what we could do now to make equality available for everyone, and how we could carry on his legacy. I remember him smiling and telling me that we should keep our eyes out for those who seem like they might not accept everybody, and to help others around us become less frightened of difference. Talking to Bruce Boynton really opened my eyes to the reality of what African Americans had to deal with. What Bruce told me will stick with me forever, and I hope I can carry on his legacy of strength and advocacy for those fighting for their rights.
Of course, everyone wanted to hear the story that made him famous. Bruce said that he was at the bus station, simply waiting, when he became hungry. So he walked to the blacks-only food court, only to find that it was dirty and not very well managed. Instead of eating at the blacks-only food counter, Bruce walked himself over to the whites-only food counter and ordered a cheeseburger. He was promptly arrested for his actions by the manager. Bruce explained to us that he wasn't looking to stand up for his rights at that particular moment. What he really wanted was his cheeseburger, but instead he was arrested.
In the wake of his story, I asked him what we could do now to make equality available for everyone, and how we could carry on his legacy. I remember him smiling and telling me that we should keep our eyes out for those who seem like they might not accept everybody, and to help others around us become less frightened of difference. Talking to Bruce Boynton really opened my eyes to the reality of what African Americans had to deal with. What Bruce told me will stick with me forever, and I hope I can carry on his legacy of strength and advocacy for those fighting for their rights.