Hunter Inspires Goodness in Athens and Across the World

             

            While Hunter clearly underwent horrible persecution, through her determination she drew great support – both nationally and locally. The above newspaper article is written by Hunter herself, in which she declares that many people are beginning to embrace her, “welcoming her to ‘the Classic City’,” allowing her to proceed normally from class to class, and being her friend in Myers Hall.

            While the article is a nice sentiment, retrospectively the state of the university was clearly unfortunate. Today, students of all backgrounds proceed from class to class without thinking of the ease with which it is done, but to Hunter, this was a blessing. Later, Hunter would recall, “I had wonderful friends and a wonderful experience, but I had to keep my eye on the prize” (Martin). The prize that she speaks of is integrating the University of Georgia and in the process standing up for the equality of all people. She always stressed “enjoying each day, even amidst those circumstances” (Martin). Despite having bricks thrown at her windows, Hunter persevered and enjoyed every day, understanding the privilege to learn.

            This resistance to be negative in each moment worked to inspire people across the world, as she received letters from “Brazil, France, and Australia” (Hunter). The letters pictured above are detailed, heartfelt, and help to depict how Hunter’s quest for education shrunk the world and lead people to desire to connect with her.

As she continued from the University of Georgia, she only improved at inspiring people through her work, winning two Peabody and two Emmy Awards, as her work progressed to be a large contributor to the national reputation of the Grady College of Journalism (Leduff).