Eunice Kennedy Shriver: A Torch Was Lit: A Torch Still Burns
It is tempting in our work with people with disabilities to steal accomplisments and to co-opt success. It is tempting to see the world, and it's changes, as a result of our work and our passion. It is tempting to see people with disabilities as the grateful beneficiaries of our munificence - gosh aren't we great?
What I really remarked from listening, over the years, to the speaches of Eunice Kennedy Shriver is that she managed to resist temptation. She managed to place in the hands of people with disabilities the reponsibility to change the world and the recognition for their active part in social change. Shriver was one of the first to really conceptualize people with intellectual disabilities as a legitimate minority with a responsibility and a mandate to cause social change by challenging social prejudice. In one of her most magnificent pieces of oratory she said: The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it. The right to study in any school? You have earned it. The right to hold a job? You have earned it. The right to be anyone’s neighbor? You have earned it!
And she was right. We may set the stage, but people with disabilities must act upon it. We may integrate a school, but people with disabilities need to walk down the hallway. We may start Special Olympics but people with disabilities need to show up and run. Schriever, rightly, saw that 'opportuntiy' was all that was lacking in the lives of people with disabilities. She saw the world as a place where it was possible to succeed if possibilities were available.
Many years ago I was hired to attend, and report on, the Special Olympics World Games when they were here in Toronto. I was a skeptic, at best, when I went in. I had been spoon fed negative stereotypes of Special Olympics. But free of all rhetoric, I was able to watch and form my own opinion. I was stunned at what I saw. I saw competition. I saw respect. I saw a kind of inclusion that I'd never understood before. I left changed.
I wrote a piece as a result of that experience called Hot Fudge Sunday, first published in the TASH newsletter, it was reprinted in newsletters all over North America. One day, months later, I openned a letter from Sargent Shriver thanking me for what I had written and for having the courage to speak honestly, and without prejudice, about what I had seen. I was amazed at the letter I held in my hand. I felt the faintest touch of the 'magic' that comes with THAT name.
Special Olympics aside, and that's a big aside, what really moves me about Eunice Shriver is the fact that she decided to go public about her sister, Rosemary. While the subject of Rosemary's life is complicated and shrouded in family secrecy, what is clear is that it was Eunice that visited her, Eunice that kept the family contact alive, and Eunice who claimed her. In an era where disability, particularly intellectual disability, was a source of familial shame, Eunice came forward and embraced her sister, disability and all, publically. This act of sisterly love, this act of family unity, moves me still. There is power in truth and there is strength in declaration. By publically placing her arm around her sister's shoulders, she demonstrated that love is an act of inclusion.
Today is a day to remember and celebrate the life of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She reminded us that it’s possible to change the world. She reminded us that it’s possible to have a vision of a just world. She reminded us of the power of just one person in the life of another person.
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt” is the Special Olympics pledge. Eunice Kennedy Shriver had the best of both, she won, and was brave in the attempt. Rest Well.
Timothy Shriver, her son, who now heads Special Olymics has asked people to go to a Eunice Kennedy Shriver website to leave messages, memories and memorials. While there you can here the quote I used to begin this blog recorded live. It is nice to hear her voice so strong and vibrant - but it's also nice to hear the cheer at the end as people with disabilities with one voice shouted 'RAH!'
Wonderful! Thank you Dave. We have been checking out that website all day today. It is amazing how many people she touched, and probably didn't even realize the half of what she, and her husband, did for example - My son has Down syndrome and multiple medical issues. His Pre-K teacher, Ms. Bobbette, was an African American lady who was raised in the projects of south Chicago in the late 50's/early 60's. Not the place to be - especially then. Her mother raised 12 children after she was widowed at 31.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, Ms. B. went on a trip with Sargent Shriver to Africa when she was just 16. It was well covered in magazines like Jet back then, but I doubt it made many headlines anywhere else. I believe this marked the beginning of both Head Start and the Peace Corps.
Unfortunately, Ms. Bobbette contracted TB while on that trip and spent the next 2 years in a sanitorium, losing a lung to the disease. Mr. and Mrs. Shriver were frequent visitors and Mrs. Shriver encouraged Ms. Bobbette to keep up her studies and become a teacher - a Special Ed teacher.
She worked at one of the first private day schools for disabled Jewish children on the South Side of Chicago. I can imagine - a black lady teaching disabled Jewish students in the 60's! Way to go! She said that they were attacked a lot there - but that is another story.
Anyway, 30 years later, she found her way to our little town and gave our schools a run for their money. She was one of the first people that I met that encouraged and agreed with me that ALL children - regardless of their circumstances - do what is EXPECTED of them. If you have low expectations, you will never be disappointed. This came directly from the encouragement and guidance of Mrs. Shriver.
Unfortunately, on the last day of school last year, Ms. Bobbette had a stroke on the way home from our house and passed away. I am sure somewhere, there is a HUGE reunion going on.
I for one, and thankful for the legacy of BOTH women. :)
Steph and Christopher
www.ourlittlemanhasmoore.blogspot.com
Dear Dave, such a gift for words you have, and such magic in all of our lives.
ReplyDeleteIn the end it is always opportunity that we must create. I have always been a fan of this great lady, as she loved her sister and walked into the spotlight and spoke loud and clear of the shame and the changes that must be made. She was a major personality of this last century and she changed the world in ways even she could not imagine.
Dave, we look forward to seeing you in Chico California in October.
Laura Larson, Far Northern Regional Center.