A founding member of the Civic Media Center returned Wednesday night to tell a small crowd how her interest in social justice at 8 years old led to a lifetime of activism.
"I never had a racist brainwashing, and that set my attitude for the rest of my life," said Harriet Ludwig, a local civil rights activist and former journalist.
Ludwig, 83, who also spoke about her civil rights experiences as a white woman in Alabama in the 1960s, was invited to speak at the Civic Media Center as part of their "First Hand History" series.
The series highlights the role of local activists in history, including why they became involved with civil justice and what keeps them interested in continuing, said Joe Courter, the center's director.
Ludwig shared her memories of how police lined the streets of Selma, Ala., after Bloody Sunday, a civil rights march that turned violent when police attacked the crowd.
"When you see events on TV and read about them in the paper, you don't realize how terrible it is till you get there," she said.
Ludwig remains active in civil rights and welfare reform, serving as co-chair of the Education Committee for the League of Women Voters of Alachua County.
Her life-long commitment to civil rights is what drew many to hear her story.
"She is a great voice for children and civil justice, and I've admired her work for a long time," said Lee Jack Price, who attended the event.
Samantha Acosta, a coordinator for the media center, said they wanted Ludwig to speak because so many college students are unaware of Gainesville's diverse history.
"Most students don't go east of 13th Street and don't realize the history in town," Acosta said.
Acosta said the media center's lecture series has a dual purpose: to celebrate the center's 15th anniversary and to remind people that there's more to Gainesville than they realize.
