With another early start, the group gathered in taxis for a journey to East Belfast, a predominantly Protestant/Unionist neighborhood. The first stop of the day was at Ashfield Boy’s High School for an assembly with the students, followed by individual classroom visits.
Once arrived at the school, we were led to an assembly that centered on the school’s latest assessments. The group was lucky enough to greet the Lord Mayor of Belfast, as he chose that day to attend the assembly and speak to the staff and students about their wonderful achievements. After this initial assembly, the group met Andy McMorran, the school’s principal, who took some time to talk with us about several key points regarding the school. Specifically, we discussed the student population and their experiences as they grow up in the very poorest areas of Belfast, the strides the school has made over the years to better serve these students, and the hope that now exists for their future.
After we spoke with Mr. McMorran, our group found itself in another assembly where the 10th form (the 14yr age group) waited to speak with us. Dr. Novosel and the Pitt students went on to participate in a lively discussion with these high schools boys. The questions and answers centered around the divide that still exists between Catholics and Protestants, as well as how these young men can and must work to remain proud of their heritage while still cultivating friendships from other backgrounds and faiths. This second assembly was then followed by individual visits to various classrooms in session. Our group used this time to talk to the teachers in the school and have more intimate question and answer sessions with the students. Everyone came away with the sense that the continuation of the peace agreement must really begin with these youths and healing those scars they have inherited from the narratives of their parents.
After quite an intense morning, our next stop was a little fish and chips shop in East Belfast named “For Cod and Ulster.” How could we resist a stop? Many of the student purchased t-shirts and the owner took a picture of our group in front of the store. He even closed the metal door to show what passersby see when they walk by during closing hours—Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams pronouncing that “the best chippies in Northern Ireland—at least we can agree on that!” A clear example of how these Northern Irish people have coped with such a long conflict and intense heartache: humor.
After this more relaxed stop, the group moved on to a visit with the Orange Order at Schomberg House, also located in East Belfast. After a presentation regarding this organization and its long history with the Protestant/Unionist community, the students asked many questions, including some related to their parade practices and new directions for the organization. The highlight of the visit was a picture with the Order’s latest public relations campaign—“Diamond Dan” is the new face (superhero) of the Order and dedicated to educating children about their heritage in a healthy manner. One must look at the group’s various pictures with Diamond Dan to get a sense of the hilarity.
Finished with our visit at the Orange Order, the group continued their day in East Belfast with a powerful visit to the Raven Social Club. Not a place open to many, if any, visitors, we felt a keen sense of gratitude and extreme appreciation for this entry into David Ervine’s local club. Meeting with his widow, Mrs. Jeanette Ervine, the students had a wonderfully intimate opportunity to speak with and hear from her as she shared such unique and personal stories about David Ervine as how they first met. It was an incredibly touching and poignant moment for us all and one that will not soon be forgotten by any. Mrs. Ervine brought out laughter and tears with her quiet and beautiful anecdotes and “yarns.”
It was with this emotional moment that we ended our Thursday in this lovely city. We are on to Mt. Vernon tomorrow to continue our firsthand and uniquely accessible look at Northern Ireland.
Quote of the Day: “People stopping and saying what they thought of him, the man, and I could have said ’yes I already knew that, I knew the man-I knew what he was’.” -Jeanette Ervine speaking about her husband, David
