Allie Belle Harrison: My Hero

Photo of Allie Belle Norris

Allie Belle Harrison at a rally in the 1960’s.

As we grow up, there are always people along the way who provide that special something that molds us into who we are today. For me, one of those special people is my mother and I wish to honor her.

In the 1960’s, my mother, Allie Belle Harrison (her maiden name is Norris), was a school teacher in Social Circle, GA. Back then, African-American children were forced to ride in overcrowded school buses and taught to do only janitorial and kitchen work as opposed to accessing the curriculum other children were administered.

A handful of teachers, including my mother, as well as parents and students, fought against the Social Circle school system to change their substandard approach to educating African-American children and transporting children in school buses that were filled beyond a safe occupancy limit.  She and other teachers went to the superintendent to voice their concerns and were fired for standing up for what was right. Allie participated in several protests, including risking her life by laying down in the streets so that the school buses could not move. During that event she and her fellow protesters were assaulted by law enforcement.

Nonetheless, their voices were heard loud and strong. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), led by Dr. Martin Luther King, reached out to the movement in Social Circle. Allie became a staff member of the SCLC and the famed civil rights organization eventually won its day in court, forcing the Social Circle School Board to change its policies. After serving for five years on the SCLC, Allie returned to teaching, this time in the Atlanta Public School System.

Allie deserves to be an American icon. Instead, she is an unsung, humble hero that you will not hear about during Black History month. The wind is invisible yet it still blows. The output of her bravery is evident today, as I do not worry about ever suffering the way she did. I live in an age where I can pursue any field my heart desires, thanks to people who sacrificed during the Civil Rights Movement. People like my mother.

Thank you for not being afraid, Mom. You taught me how to be strong.  May your light continue to guide me for years to come.

[Footnote: My dad, James Allen Harrison, was also a significant force in my life, but this story is about Allie. Sorry, Dad…I love you!]

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