by Don Mooney
Memphis, TN—Memphis in 1959 was segregated. Eight high school students from Memphis’ area predominantly black high schools were selected to challenge and desegregate Memphis State University(MSU). Officially known as the Memphis State Eight the last remaining member, Mrs. Bertha Rogers Looney, released a front row account in a personal memoir, ‘We Dared To Be First.’
The memoir is an up close and personal account through the eyes of a young lady whose heart was set on attending famed HBCU in Nashville – Fisk University. As fate would have it on September 18, 1959, Looney and her seven classmates stepped into history’s wake that opened educational opportunities for countless minorities in the mid-south area.
Author/educator Mrs. Looney during book signing at the family church where her early childhood dreams were fermented. photo by Don Mooney
Retired Attorney Jackie Payne, a subsequent recipient of the sacrifice of Looney and her seven classmates, integrated Memphis State 10-years later, reflects on the contributions and sacrifice of the Memphis Eight. “Mrs Looney and the other seven made it possible for thousands to come after her and thousands to continue to come, states Payne. Because of their courageous efforts I benefitted, my wife and son benefitted and through this memoir it will be passed on,” expressed Payne.
Todays book signing is the first of several scheduled book signings. Hosted at the church of her youth, Old Nonconnah Missionary Baptist Church on Old Hernando Road.