Rushing headlines Aurora Heights MLK assembly

Aurora Heights Elementary School kicked off the third and final district-wide learning day of the year with a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day — which is usually marked as a day off for students — and invited Newton Daily News Reporter Ty Rushing to be the keynote speaker of the celebration.

Rushing admitted he originally was against the school district’s plan to have school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“When the school district decided to change the school calendar, changing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I was stunned,” Rushing said. “I felt it was a slap in the face of the legacy of Dr. King.”

Rushing then observed first-hand the success of the first district-wide learning days, on 9/11, and heard about the positive reception for the second district-wide learning day on Veterans Day. When he was asked to take part in the third district-wide learning day by speaking at the Aurora Heights assembly honoring Dr. King, he was more than willing to contribute.

“My boss and I had the chance to sit down with your superintendent, Mr. (Bob) Callaghan, and he explained to us how he wanted to expand on three major days — September 11, Veterans Day and MLK Day,” Rushing said. “I was here at Aurora Heights for September 11, and I was beyond impressed with what I saw going on in the hallways and in the classrooms.”

Rushing challenged the students to know more than just the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“I’m not just talking about his name, but I mean really know about him, his legacy, accomplishments, the sacrifices he made, including the ultimate one,” Rushing said. “His impact on American History in general, not just Black History.”

Rushing told of how at the age of 15, Dr. King attended Morehouse college in Georgia. He also told of how Dr. King received his doctorate in systematic theology at the age of 26.

“When I was 15, college was the furthest thing from my mind. I was too busy playing video games and waiting for the next Spiderman movie to come out,” Rushing said “I just turned 27 less than two weeks ago. If I started going for my doctorate right now, the earliest I could finish would be when I am 32 years old.”

Rushing stressed the importance of a good education in Dr. King’s success.

“This man steered the course of American history, and having a quality education helped him accomplish this,” Rushing said. “I often feel this part of Dr. King’s legacy is under-represented and overshadowed by his other accomplishments.”

Rushing felt it was also important to bring this up because still today people think of the educated black man as a stigma or very rarely seen.

“Dr. King helped to break this barrier to show that black people are just as well-rounded, cultured, educated and well-versed as any other person in America or in the world for that matter,” Rushing said.

Rushing paid his respect to not only Dr. King but also many prominent black men who paved the way for him to be the man he is today.

“I am about 99 percent sure I am the first black reporter in the history of the Daily News,” Rushing said with a laugh. “And this paper has been around for more than 100 years.”

Rushing said at many times in his life — on school trips, in college classes, etc. — he had been the only face of color.

“I have to thank the men who paved the way for me including Dr. King for those opportunities,” Rushing said. “I also have to thank my grandfather, who is turning 80 years old in April.”

Rushing’s grandfather grew up in Louisiana, attended colored-only schools as a student and saw white-only signs in many shops and restaurants.

“He told me of how drinking from the wrong water fountain could land you in jail or worse,” Rushing said. “He also told me of how he became the first black insurance salesman for New York Life in the late ’60s among many other highlights in his life and progress in America today.”

Rushing talked on how the current generation of kids are amazingly color blind.

“I cherish the fact you see people as people and not different from yourself, no matter what they look like.” Rushing said.

Last month, Rushing read an essay from Emily Russell, a fourth-grade student from Woodrow Wilson, on “What my favorite freedom is.” Rushing quoted an excerpt of the essay.

“‘I am thankful I don’t live in a world with slavery because I wouldn’t be allowed to hang out with some of my best friends like Taliyah and Camille.’”

Rushing commended Russell on how powerful her words were and wise beyond her years.

Callaghan was in attendance for the speech, along with many members of the Newton Board of Education, all of whom commended Rushing on his work and contribution to the events of the day.

“Ty did a great job today and is a very impressive young man. He showed his passion and intelligence and was an great representative of the Newton Daily News,” Callaghan said.

Staff writer Zach Johnson may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 425, or at zjohnson@newtondailynews.com.