White Schools In Sharon Draper's Fire From The Rock

In the novel Fire From The Rock by Sharon Draper, the protagonist Sylvia is consistently faced with the controversy of the decision of going to either Dunbar and Mann High School or Central High School. Dunbar and Mann seems like the more viable option because of the time period Sylvia is living in, 1939, which obviously had tremendous amounts of discrimination for black citizens. The alternative, however, for the all-black school is Central High School, a white school that is beginning to engage in integration. Looking at evidence from the story so far and Sylvia’s reasoning, we can predict which school she will most likely go to. It is very apparent that Sylvia has a crush on a fellow classmate at her middle school, named Reggie. When Reggie
makes it known that he likes Sylvia back, too, and established conversations regularly every night. Suddenly, he is a much bigger part of Sylvia’s life than say a few months ago, which may seem all good for her, but makes this decision much more difficult. Reggie himself has even stated on multiple occasions that she doesn’t want Sylvia going to Central High School she he can accompany her at the countless events. As stupid as it may seem, Reggie could very well be the deciding factor for which school she chooses. When Sylvia isn’t thinking about school or how poorly white people are treating the black community, she constantly fantasizes about Reggie. We can clearly see she thinks so too, when she questions her brother, Gary,“‘[a]re you sure this is the right thing to do?’ she told him. ‘It would be so much easier to stay with my friends and go to Horace Mann, and only have to worry about whether Reggie likes my new dress.’” (p. 83). This brings us to fact that Sylvia also would have no possible relationship if she went to Central High School, let alone friends. I believe the biggest reason to avoid going to Central High School is the dangers it will obviously bring.
White people were ruthless at this time in Southern States, with endless lynchings, harassment, and unfairness on almost every block. It was common to walk outside and be tormented by white folk, even if you didn’t do anything. Imagine all this chaos, except you’re black and surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of white teenagers, an important detail since they’re usually more willing to cause trouble. Sylvia could very easily end up dead after we seen the brutality of racists, for example in the case of simply beating up Gary because he was walking home. Even the Patterson’s neighbor, Mr. Crandall, trained his dogs to attack African-Americans. Authorities at the school and police wouldn’t be much help either, considering their strong dislike of blacks as well. Walking into those doors is practically risking your life every single day, and your chances to get harmed physically or emotionally are almost certain everyday. Even the black community isn’t sure she should take the chance. One of the people at church says to Sylvia to “Stick to your own kind, girl. Mixing the races will only get you hurt. They don’t want you there. You hear?” (p.68). Knowing Sylvia is very self-conscious, we can observe she’ll probably think
twice. Most of all, Dunbar and Mann would be a much more comfortable fit than Central High School. Sylvia would already have all of her friends that she has grown up with there, have black teachers that would be more understanding, and her education would be well enough to go to college. There wouldn’t be any dangers or worries about being assaulted, and little to no pestering from her classmates. She could finally focus on her relationship with Reggie, and her parents would be less concerned for her safety. Although this may not be the right step in the direction for racial equality, it would seem like the best decision for someone with the personality of Sylvia. Dunbar and Mann would just be so much more suitable for the path Sylvia is seeking, and clearly more free of harm. It was never truly Sylvia’s intent to integrate into Central High School, so I’m sure she wouldn’t be so upset that she doesn’t attend a school that is threatening to end your life. So far, it seems very decided that Sylvia would most likely go to Dunbar and Mann, but it is without a doubt not determined yet. Seeing from how she acts, especially around white people, it seems that Dunbar and Mann would be the much more favorable choice for what she is looking for altogether.