Michael+Faith+Incident+'13

= Michael Faith Incident   =

Aim + Culture
Hayley Fester Through the Michael Faith incident of 1974, many clear sides of anger and despair were shown through the crowd that gathered around the High School after the event and the actions that were taken after it; from years ago to recent times. The logistics and true emotions that were stirred from this event can be seen in this following quote: “...December 11, 1974 after the stabbing of Michael Faith at South Boston High. Students and adults surrounded the school, yelled racial epithets in unison, and prevented the black students from leaving. This was a demonstration of the masses, without the organization of the leadership, and it demonstrated the difference of opinion as to who was responsible for busing” (Taylor 209-210). This ‘incident’ was one of grand proportions that took away rationality from the people and set them against one another: neighbor against neighbor, student against student, family against family, and blacks against whites. However, in the event there was also a camaraderie that was evident within the social groups that stuck together and showed their true intentions and reactions to such a heartbreaking occurrence. Those involved and affected by the tragedy will always remember it and those who hear it will never forget. The Michael Faith incident brought a new light upon the citizens of South Boston and their cultures, aims, and ambitions of life and discrimination.



Audience
Hayley Fester In the Michael Faith incident in South Boston, Massachusetts, many feelings and emotions were stirred by people of all races and genders who witnessed or were close to the event. The true reactions and people involved with the incident may be seen in this quote from a newspaper that was published one day after the attack: “Hearing of the stabbing, about 700 whites gathered outside the school. About 250 police were sent to the scene to keep order. Boston City Councilor and antibusing leader Mrs. Louise Day Hicks used a bullhorn to plead with the crowd to go home and ‘let the black kids be bused back to [Roxbury].’ Some members of the crowd responded: ‘Let them be bused back to Africa’ and refused to clear the streets” (Boston schools closed after stabbing, protests). These people will always have a connection to this tragic incident and the others involved. The audience of this happening would be the white and African-American students and families who were a part of the event. But most prominently connected now, is the Boston City Councilor Mrs. Louise Day Hicks who so prominently put forth her opinions and hopes to keep a calmer scene and help those trapped within the school still. All people associated with this had strong opinions on either side of the matter but all were affected in some way.



History
Hayley Fester Michael Faith was a 17 year old white student at South Boston High School who was unceremoniously stabbed in the abdomen while in the school corridor. The Bryan Times newspaper published a story on this incident stating that “the stabbing was the most serious in a series of disturbances at South Boston High School this week...it was announced that all schools in South Boston being desegregated under a federal court order would be closed today and Friday” (Boston schools closed after stabbing, protests). The Michael Faith incident (as it is now being named) took place on December 11 in the year 1974 where desegregation acts had been occurring throughout the previous year as attempts for equality were being reached. During the incident, the white students and crowds outside trapped 125 black students within and would not allow them board the buses to leave and return home. In the end, James White, an 18 year old African-American student at South Boston High School, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Works Cited Taylor, Steven J. L. Desegregation in Boston and Buffalo: The Influence of Local Leaders. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1998. Print. Bassett, Edward W. “Boston schools close after stabbing, protests.” The Bryan Times 12 December 1974: A9. Print.