Before the Little Rock Nine and Ruby Bridges, there was 5 year-old Vera Hope. In 1954, Vera was one of many Black children sent to integrate formerly all-white schools in Washington, DC. The racism and hatred she experienced led to a life of activism in the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. Now, fifty-plus years later, Ms. Vera is leaving America for good. 

Find out why in a brand new podcast on Black lives and history called, The Self Determined.

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If you'd like to help support Ms. Walston's journey to

Ghana, you can send donations to her directly

via CashApp at $veramakessense .

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Credits:

The Self Determined Podcast is conceived, developed, and produced by Donelle Boose. Today’s episode is based on interviews between Donelle Boose and Vera Hope Walston. 

Music is provided by Epidemic Sound. 

Theme song is "Tinder" by 91nova, Damma Beatz, and Cushy. 

All other tracks featured in order of appearance are as follows:

"Bliksem Beat" by Deskant, "Struggle in Paradise" by Rolla Coasta, "Post-Traumatic Love Disorder" by Rain Jewels, "Demure" by Ever So Blue, "How the Rain Hits" by Miles Avida,"All the Freedom You Need" by Terin Ector.

Additional Clips:

The Secret of Selling the Negro Market. Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. 1954

All the Way Home. Dynamic Films, Inc. 1957.