Honored valedictorian after 38 years of graduation

In 1984, Tracey Meares was preparing to become the first black valedictorian at Springfield High School in Illinois, with the school’s highest academic ranking. But in the end, she was just named “top student” – along with Heather Russell, a white student.

38 years later, Meares is finally valedictorian, after being awarded the title recently. The awarding ceremony took place after the documentary screening No Title for Tracey (No title for Tracey) at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield. Meares is currently a professor and legal expert at Yale Law School.

“My first reaction was extremely pleased,” Meares said.

Jennifer Gill, Superintendent of Springfield Schools, presented Meares with a special medal and certificate. Gill was a freshman at the school when Meares was about to graduate.

“One way we can fix it is to call Meares and give her the name she deserves. It’s valedictorian,” the superintendent said.

In a press release, she said it means a lot to “honor” Meares “with this title”.

“We want all students to feel a sense of belonging in all aspects of school and feel a responsibility to ensure that our systems support students to reach their full potential. It’s an honor to have them. Meares is here and has had the privilege of learning from such a successful alumni,” Gill said.

The film, directed by Maria Ansley, tells the story of systemic racism in America. With Meares, that vulnerability remains intact.

“When I faced this when I was 17 years old, I was very sad. I still carry the sadness and sadness to this day,” said Meares.ng forged my school records, “Meares said.

As graduation approached, Springfield chose to change the tradition of naming valedictorians and runner-ups, choosing “top student” instead. The valedictorian and runner-up titles returned eight years later in 1992.

Although the incident was known in Springfield’s black community at the time, Meares’ father, Robert Blackwell, chose to remain silent. He said the family was afraid that if they went public with how the school discriminated against Meares, their two daughters might face retaliation.

According to Mr. Robert, not being honored does not change their lives. “We still have goals. Meares continues to learn and achieve. We don’t have time to comment on this either,” he said.

In 2021, while on a weekend trip with Nicole Florence, Meares’ sister, Ansley, then a photographer at Southern Illinois University’s School of Medicine, heard the story.

“Florence told us the story of her sister. I thought this story needed to be told.” USA Today quoted director Ansley sharing.

Florence thinks No Title for Tracey was an opportunity for her sister to tell her “truth”, but for Meares, her appearance in the film was more than just about herself.

Mr. Robert and his wife, Carolyn Blackwell, believe systemic racism influenced their decision not to name their daughter as valedictorian. However, he said that officially returning the title to Meares was “an important gesture”.

“It’s like reconciliation in a way,” he said.

Dawn (According to The Guardian)