After participating in a reflective discussion titled “Through My Eyes” on January 30th, two sophomore classes in attendance gathered new perspectives. Located at Goodwin House, a senior living community in Alexandria, the event highlighted Black History and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The discussion was a reflection of memories, old and young, allowing students and residents to bond over their life experiences. 

When we arrived, we were greeted by Jim Paige, a retired Army Colonel and Executive Director of the Concerned Citizens Network, and other faculty of Goodwin House. Paige and others offered us and the other students a catered lunch and heartfelt introductions. It was immediately clear that the people in the room cared about Alexandria’s youth and wanted to positively influence their futures. This wasn’t just a panel discussion — it was a time for youth to learn something from their older counterparts, and in turn, teach the residents something as well. 

After lunch, we joined the residents of Goodwin Living in the discussion room, and Paige addressed the crowd with his opening remarks. 

“Today we have collected memories,” he said, and proceeded around the room asking people about their stories.

He asked the senior citizens around the room where they were in 1968, the year King was assassinated. One resident said she was in North Carolina where “there was a mixup going.” 

“Dogs were coming after people, water hoses were coming after people,” she said.

Another man said he was in Vietnam in 1968. 

Paige then turned to the crowd and explained how everyone has their own story and that each person’s memories were different, though they experienced the same event.

“The world changed in our lifetime,” Paige said at the end of his introductory remarks.  

Once the discussion began, we were introduced to three panelists: Gwen Day Fuller, Fannie Allen, and Mark Raabe. Each had some connection to King, and each shared their story.

Fuller’s story is most popularly known from that of her father, Ferdinand T. Day, the name of a local elementary school. However, Fuller had a story of her own: she was an educator for many decades and was present at King’s March on Washington. She recounted the day vividly in her remarks to the crowd. Not only did she have a story to tell, but she also had advice to give.

“We have to live together as brothers and sisters,” Fuller said.

Sitting to the right of Fuller was Fannie Allen, a former State Department official who attended King’s funeral. She shared that, prior to attending the funeral, she was not very involved with the civil rights movement. However, she said that once she saw his body in his casket, she became committed to the movement. 

Allen said she didn’t stand up and give speeches, but she was engaged with the movement in other ways. Her involvement served as a reminder to the youth that to help out, and that they don’t have to be active in the most conventional of ways. You can be aware of current events, educate yourself, and spread awareness. 

In her advice to today’s youth, Allen said, “take seriously your education. Learn all you can while you can. Know your history.” 

At the end of the table of panelists sat Mark Raabe, a former FBI agent who stood with King at the March on Washington. He shared that he didn’t feel opposed to his position in representing King, and that he was just glad to be there. 

The discussion continued as the panelists reflected on their lives and their influence. Eventually, once the students were nearing their time to leave, the panel concluded. 

In order to allow individual conversation time, the discussion moved to the reception room with refreshments and snacks. This gave the opportunity for the students to talk one-on-one with the residents of Goodwin House. 

In these discussions, I was able to talk with a rather enthusiastic resident, Judy Bryan. She said the panel was very inspiring.

 “I think we all need reminding of those brave people who went before us,” she said. “We older people need to help younger people see the importance of carrying on what is good.” 

And with that, we left Goodwin House with new information, old memories, and food for thought.