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A trip to Arkansas results in an emotional conversation about racism in America

Robin White National Park Service Superintendent at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
National Park Service

When I stopped in to visit with Robin White, Superintendent at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, our conversation quickly led to tears. When I interviewed Ms. White a couple years ago, the focus was on the September 1957 events at Little Rock Central High, and lessons learned. On this visit, we changed the focus. I said, let’s talk about lessons learned, but more importantly, lessons not learned in the intervening six decades. 

I had no idea that my entrée would open the floodgates of her soul. The subsequent conversation quickly had tears running down Ms. White’s cheeks, and mine too. 

Come along and join me in Ms. White’s office in Little Rock, Arkansas as she shares her profound, powerful thoughts and feelings--that she confessed are way too often, regretfully, stuffed and suppressed. 

Ms. Robin White NPS Superintendent with fellow park rangers
Credit National Park Service
Ms. Robin White NPS Superintendent with fellow park rangers

Central High School today, Little Rock Arkansas
Credit Thomas Wilmer
Central High School today, Little Rock Arkansas
Credit National Park Service
Credit National Park Service
Credit National Park Service

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Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer NPR podcast 2016 Lowell Thomas Award winner
Credit SATW Foundation
Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer NPR podcast 2016 Lowell Thomas Award winner
Credit National Park Service
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Tom Wilmer produces on-air content for Issues & Ideas airing over KCBX and is producer and host of the six-time Lowell Thomas award-winning NPR podcast Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer. Recorded live on-location across America and around the world, the podcasts feature the arts, culture, music, nature, history, science, wine & spirits, brewpubs, and the culinary arts--everything from baseball to exploring South Pacific atolls to interviewing the real Santa Claus in the Arctic.
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