Bridge Building
I recently went to see Selma, an American historical drama film based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by a series of civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King Junior. This story left a strong impact on me, particularly as it pertains to my leadership here at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate.
As a leader on a much smaller scale, I found myself identifying with King Junior in some regard. In particular, I connected with him as he stood dumbfounded at the Edmund Pettus Bridge at the start of the second march from Selma to Montgomery. Activists saw the state troopers on the other side of the bridge, but this time, the troopers turned aside and agreed to let them pass. As King stood at the precipice of the bridge, he offered a silent prayer, asking God for clarity and calm to make a decision as to whether the march should proceed or turn around. After what felt like eternity, he turned around and led the group away from the bridge; the march would not continue.
And how did his followers react to this decision? King faced scrutiny from the SNCC, who accused him of making the wrong choice, denying them the opportunity to fulfill their mission. Other activists, however, felt King made the right choice, fearing that continuing the march would have led to further violence. Did King do the right thing? Was there really a “right” decision? In the end, a final march eventually took place peacefully, after President Johnson and the American Congress passed a bill to eliminate restrictions on voting for the black community.
In my role as Principal, I have had numerous moments of being on some form of the “Edmund Pettus Bridge.” While my circumstances are obviously less intense, I have struggled with whether to “step forward” on the bridge or to “step back” on the bridge. At times like this, I have heard both adversity and affirmation. I have come to realize that this is a normal, yet challenging part of being a leader; accepting that not all decisions can or will lead to consensus.
I appreciate your ongoing grace, affirmation and challenge as I continue to make decisions. My hope and prayer is that through it all, you will trust that my ultimate goal is to advance Rockway’s mission forward through word and deed.
Ann L. Schultz
Principal
