We began this busy week with stops in Des Moines, Iowa. We went to the First Unitarian Church — the historic site at which students decided they would wear their now famous black armbands…
…And John and Mary Beth’s lawyer, Dan Johnston, was there to meet us-
Thanks for your integrity and courage through the years, Dan!
Mike with Dan Johnston at First Unitarian Church
Mary Beth and John also got to speak at the schools from which they were suspended in 1965…
-
- Mary Beth and John with Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Ahart.
-
- Back at North High School with an awesome crowd!
-
- Mary Beth and John Tinker are welcomed back to North High School in Des Moines, Iowa, site of John’s suspension in 1965
-
- We had a great round-table discussion at Warren Harding Junior High School.
…And were honored with a locker dedication that we hope will perpetuate our celebration of the First Amendment.
-
- Mary Beth’s middle school locker! (It currently belongs to a student nicknamed Gabby — too cool!)
-
- We had wonderful media coverage…
-
- And hope we inspired these amazing students.
We spent the rest of the week in Missouri, first stopping at the US Courthouse where Mike and Mary Beth got to speak to students from Mary Beth’s high school…
-
- Mary Beth speaking to students from her alma mater, University City High School, at the US Courthouse.
-
- We had a great discussion!
…And then heading to St. Louis University…
-
- Mary Beth at St. Louis University.
-
- We had a wonderful interpreter.
-
- Love this beautiful city!
…Before a long stop at the National Council for the Social Studies National Convention…
…where we met up with Freedom Fighter Cathy Kuhlmeier Frey…
…and had a great time talking with social studies teachers…
…and the amazing Karen Korematsu, daughter of courageous Fred Korematsu, who challenged Japanese internment during WW II. She keeps his legacy alive, and our Constitution.
-
- We had an awesome audience…
-
- …sitting-on-the-floor-room-only…
-
- Social studies teachers line up to meet Mary Beth Tinker following her presentation at national social studies convention in St. Louis in November
-
- This was such a cool event to attend!
-
- Peace!
We’ve all had a great time in St. Louis. Gabby, too…
…But this afternoon, we’re excited to be speaking at the Unitarian Church in Columbia. And tomorrow we’ll be in Kansas City for our very last stop on the fall tour…We cannot believe it’s already here!
***
Miles traveled this week: 601
Miles traveled on Tinker Tour to date: 10,826
(Does not include Mike’s 2,989 mile trip from Ferndale, WA, to deliver the Tinker Bus to the Liberty Bell for the tour’s official kickoff Sept. 17.)
Coming Up in Week 11:
Sunday:
AM: National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) National Convention, St. Louis, Mo.
PM: Columbia, Mo.
Tinker Tour 