Honoring the Legacy of The Memphis 13

At Reading With Mrs. Richardson, we’re all about bringing stories to life, real stories, the kind that make you stop, think, and feel proud of where we’ve come from. During our second Books, Beats & Bloom session at Raleigh Egypt Middle School, we had one of those unforgettable moments.

Our guest was Ms. Dwania Kyles, one of the brave students known as The Memphis 13, the first group of Black first graders to integrate Memphis City Schools back in 1961. Imagine being just six years old, walking into a school where no one looked like you, and still showing up with courage every single day. That’s exactly what they did.

A Story That Still Teaches Us Today

Ms. Kyles shared something that really stuck with us: she was the only one among The Memphis 13 who graduated from the same school she integrated. The others eventually went back to all-Black schools where they felt more accepted. For years, the group didn’t keep in touch much. Life moved on, as it tends to do. But recently, they reunited—and now, they’re dedicated to telling their story so it’s never forgotten.

Listening to Ms. Kyles, you could feel how much strength and grace it took to be part of that chapter in history. Her story reminded us that the freedom to learn—something we can take for granted- was fought for by children not much older than the ones we teach.

Courage Runs in the Family

Ms. Kyles also carries a powerful legacy as the daughter of Reverend Billy Kyles, a civil rights pioneer who was steps away from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel. Hearing her talk about that moment—how her father dedicated his life to equality and justice—brought the Civil Rights Movement out of the history books and right into our classroom.

For our students, it wasn’t just a lesson; it was living history.

Why Keeping These Stories Alive Matters

Stories like these are too important to fade into the background. They remind us that progress didn’t just happen; people made it happen—people who looked like our students, who came from the same neighborhoods, and who faced challenges with courage and faith.

When young people hear these stories, they see themselves in history. They learn that their voice matters and that they, too, can make change. That’s what Books, Beats & Bloom is all about—connecting literacy, music, and legacy so that every story continues to grow new roots.

A Big Thank You

We’re so grateful to Literacy Mid-South for believing in this project and helping us make it happen. And to Raleigh Egypt Middle School—thank you for opening your doors and hearts to us. You’re helping shape the next generation of storytellers, leaders, and changemakers.

Because when we read, write, and remember together, we don’t just keep history alive—we make it bloom. And lastly, to Ms. Kyles, thank you for authentically encouraging our students to embrace history and continuing to treat each other kindly. You are greatly appreciated.