In the 1960s, as images of police dogs and fire hoses unleashed on Black Americans filled TV screens across the nation, a generation of children—Black and white—were learning, in real time, the searing reality of racism in America. It was a pivotal time, one that promised change with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, but failed to deliver on that promise for decades.

 

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Today, those struggles echo loudly in our current climate, as books are banned, history is whitewashed, and communities once again fight for a seat at the table. On this episode of Your Radical Truth, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams, a transformational speaker, author of Split Shift: Busing and Desegregation, 1954–2024, and a living witness to the trauma and resilience of school integration in Alabama.

“We Survived It”: A Firsthand Account of Integration

Growing up in Alabama just miles from Birmingham, Dr. Regina experienced the fallout of a society grappling with change. In 1970—sixteen years after the Supreme Court ordered school desegregation—her high school, Talladega High, finally integrated. But what should have been a move toward equality came with devastating consequences.

Students were separated by “split shifts”—a scheduling scheme that limited educational access and fractured lifelong friendships. Some students, many of whom had never even been in a fight, were permanently expelled with no hearing, no return date, and no diploma.

“I wondered myself how I got into college,” she said. “I didn’t have advanced math, foreign language, or hard sciences. Yet somehow, I made it. Others weren’t so lucky.”

This wasn’t just Talladega—it was systemic across the South. Communities had over a decade to prepare for integration, yet when it finally came, the result was chaos, displacement, and erasure.

Talladega College and the Legacy of Black Excellence

Amid the turmoil, one institution offered Dr. Regina hope and direction: Talladega College, co-founded by two formerly enslaved individuals in 1867. The historically Black college served as both a sanctuary and a beacon. It reminded her—and others like her—that excellence could still be nurtured in the midst of structural inequality.

Today, she honors that legacy not only through her writing, but also through mentoring, community service, and by lifting up the next generation of leaders.

Parallels to the Present: Are We Moving Forward or Backward?

In our conversation, Dr. Regina was unflinching in her analysis of today’s political and cultural landscape. “We’re not making America great again. We’re making America hate again,” she said, echoing a sentiment felt across the country as we witness a rollback on civil rights, diversity, and inclusion.

The stories are disturbing: removal of prominent Black figures from public websites, potential pardons for individuals convicted of racial violence, and attacks on government programs that serve women and children.

And the banning of books? To Dr. Regina, it’s a dangerous red flag. “It’s as if we’re living in a script—a script written to dismantle everything generations have fought for.”

A Call to Action: From the Polls to the Pulpits

Despite the challenges, Dr. Regina remains hopeful and committed to action. Her advice to listeners is direct:

• Vote in every election—especially midterms, which often determine local leadership and school funding.
• Run for office if you feel called—representation matters.
• Stay informed and engaged—from redistricting to Project 2025, knowledge is power.
• Encourage civic engagement in younger generations—they are the stewards of tomorrow.

She emphasized, “We’ve got to understand that we have a role in this. God has given all of us a purpose, and we need to step out on faith.”

The Radical Truth

Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams’ story is not just one of pain—it’s one of purpose. Her book, Split Shift, gives voice to students silenced by bureaucracy and racism, and reminds us all that education should be a path to opportunity, not a battlefield.

Her message? The fight for equality is far from over. And while the past may be painful, we carry its lessons with us into every decision we make today.

About Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams 

Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams is an author/transformational speaker.  The former instructor/administrator/public relations professional has self-published 14 books.  

In her spare time, the mother of four, grandmother of nine, and great grandmother to two enjoys beekeeping/honey gathering, gardening, mentoring young people, travel, community service, and involvement in two  ladies’ social clubs that date back to 1895.

Regina shares her faith in believing the following:  God knows the plans He has for you, to prosper you. In Split Shift – Busing and Desegregation (1954-2024) she details the traumatic experience encountered in the1970s while integrating her high school – 16 years after the Brown Decision. The book addresses the positive influence of Talladega College (TC)  on Regina’s life and the lives of others touched by this esteemed institution.   Co-founded by two former slaves in 1867 following the Civil War, TC stands strong. Regina is the great-great niece of Mr. William and Mrs. Frances Savery.  

Regina’s calling is simple – to help others!  Otherwise, she said her life  would be in vain.  The book celebrates Brown’s 70th Anniversary. Regina wants to help right the wrong that took place in 1971 when classmates  were permanently expelled – some apparently for no reason.

A favorite quote: Obstacles are put in your way to see if you really wanted something or just thought you did.

Learn more or order Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams’ book:

Visit: www.drreginavincentwilliams.net 

About Margaret Mary O’Connor 

Margaret Mary O’Connor, as a member of the Catholic Laity, thought she knew everything about the Catholic Church, at least until she came upon a centuries-old Scandal of lies and cover-up by the Hierarchy of that Church. Frankly, she was fed up being lied to by her own Church, about its own past Church’s History on Women priests. With that realization, she truly felt in that moment, the monumental feeling of betrayal by her own Church.

Follow Margaret, as she travels down this Highway of Radical Truth where lies and outright coverup will be disclosed. Millions of Catholics are unaware of that past presence of Women Bishop’s, Women Deacons, as well as Women Priests, all there hiding in plain sight, in Early Church History.

As the complicity of this centuries-old Scandal continues, Margaret wants her fellow Catholics to learn the actual truth of this matter for themselves. She strongly believes, at minimal, any Catholic deserves the actual truth of this matter. To say that change is needed is hardly an understatement. She doesn’t let the Church’s betrayal stop her from uncovering some very fascinating Church Skeleton’s – one which very well might help solve our current priest shortage issue today.

Margaret Mary O’Connor has been called, “The Modern Day David” on many occasions. On a mission to reveal carefully guarded secrets of the Catholic Church, she unveils the truth through her well-researched writings.

Author of Scandal in the Shadows and Journey of a Celiac’s Soul, Margaret Mary is a force to be reckoned with.