Since Charlottesville was one of the main battlegrounds in the "Massive Resistance" campaign against school desegregation back in the late 1950s, it is only fitting that we be represented on a new General Assembly subcommittee that's been formed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school-integration struggle. Last week I received a letter on behalf of State Senator Henry Marsh and State Delegate Rosalyn Dance appointing me to the "Special Subcommittee on the Fiftieth Anniversary of Public School Closings in Virginia," which will kick off with an organizational meeting in June. I am looking forward to participating on this subcommittee, not only because it will give me a chance to immerse myself into the history of the Massive Resistance movement both locally and statewide, but moreso as an opportunity to explore how race continues to play a role in our schools today and what more we can be doing to ensure that children of all races are equally well-served by our public education system.
Monday, May 18, 2009
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3 comments:
Great! I have become interested in the history of the massive resistance action in Charlottesville and elsewhere and hope your involvement in this committee will bring more of this history into the local discussion of educational achievement relating to race relations in Charlottesville.
I am glad that you will be representing Charlottesville on the committee commerorating Virginia's shameful actions during that time.
I believe the Center for Poitics at UVA is sponsoring a conference on Massive Resistance in July in Richmond. Folks with an interest should check out their website or contact them for more information.
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