Review: I will not fear by Melba Pattillo Beals

I think pretty much everyone has heard the basic story of the nine African American students that were chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957.  Do we know their names though? Do we know what they went on to accomplish in their lives? I have to say that the answer would be no for me until I read I will not fear by-My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire.  The title of this book pretty much sums up how Melba Beals has led her life.  Her grandmother truly gave her a solid foundation in Christ and that helped propel her to where she is today.  Her grandmother taught her to study her Bible and obey God's laws. She taught her that a warrior is the part of you that makes things happen, but that God is the energy of the warrior. As early on as Melba's birth her grandmother was a crucial part of her existence. Her mother wasn't allowed to birth her at the "white" hospital, but her grandmother prayed and somehow made a way for her to be born there. When Melba was 15 years old she was chosen as one of the students to integrate into the all white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.  From the very first day it was a struggle. Nobody wanted them there and even being at home wasn't safe anymore. They received threatening calls, had to stay in after dark and basically became prisoners in their home. Melba knew that what they were trying to achieve would help all other African Americans in life, but she constantly wondered if it was right for her. Melba like to quote the 23rd Psalm when she got fearful.  It helped her calm her fear and move forward. Life became too dangerous for Melba in Arkansas and she was sent to California. When she arrived and found she was to live with a Caucasian family she was fearful again. Were they going to kill her? Would she ever see her family again? She had never met a Caucasian person that was nice to her. As she lived her life in California she started to have new adventures and see that some people treated her well. She eventually married, had a child, divorced and started a career. Throughout her entire life she was still treated unequally by many even with all that she accomplished. Through it all she held steadfast that she wouldn't be fearful. She could and did accomplish whatever she put her mind too.


** I received a copy of this book free for my honest review.**