Surviving Shunning at Central High School: Lessons From Sybil Jordan Hampton for Social Justice Leaders

Abstract

Sybil Jordan Hampton’s lived experience as the only African American in her class at Little Rock (AR) Central High School from 1959 to 1962 is presented. Sybil valued assets within her family and community, exhibited critical consciousness, and had courage in the face of being shunned. Leaders who aim to interrupt inequitable outcomes in schools must recognize the assets of their students, families, and communities; exhibit critical consciousness; and be courageous. Therefore, Sybil’s leadership serves as an example of how leaders other than those in formal positions can inform the development of leaders for social justice.