During my studies as an undergraduate, my English professor asked the class how many people it takes to change the world. Some students said a group and others said one person. Reflecting back on that question, my perception is that it depends on who is willing to challenge the norms of society. Especially when it comes to making a change on a social justice issue or racism. Thyra Johnson Edwards was one of the most prominent black social pioneers that I believed challenged the norms of society in order to make a difference. Thyra Edwards was born on December 25, 1987 in Wharton, Texas. She was the oldest of five children and had a very close relationship with her sister, Thelma Edwards. While growing up in the Jim Crow ear, they both experienced racism (Andrews, 2011). Thyra and her sister Thelma, attended segregated schools for a short period of time, before their father decided to homeschool them (Andrews, 2011).
According to Andrews, Thyra believed that her father instilled class democracy, hatred of those who pretended to be better (moral snobbery), and helped shape her political views (2011). During an argument with a Russian friend, Josephine Lurie, over the plight of black people, they both received a history lesson from Josephine’s father on slavery (Andrews, 2011). He informed them of slavery dating back a thousand years in…show more content… Granted, Thyra did not stop in Gary to bring awareness to certain issues, she also traveled to southern states to promote the work of the interracial committee in Gary, by visiting black schools and institutions (Andrews, 2011). After focusing on social justice issues in the United States, she took her first trip to London, in 1929, visiting important sites that helped her better understand racism (Andrews, 2011). During her trip, Edwards attended a stand-off party with a friend for Abbots and they traveled to France, Italy, Austria, and
