In Pursuit of Freedom and Equality: Kansas and the African American Public School Experience, 1855-1955
On Exhibit: April 4-24, 2019 Ramsey Library, Main Level
This exciting visual presentation uses images and text to share little known facts about the history of the Brown decision. Today few people realize that as early as 1849 African Americans fought the system of education in this country that mandated separate schools for their children based solely on race. In many instances these schools were substandard facilities with out-of-date textbooks and often no basic school supplies. What was not in question was the dedication of the African American teachers assigned to these schools.
This chronological look at the history of Brown leaves the viewer with a clear understanding that efforts still continue across the country to realize the dream of individuals and organizations that challenged a system that would deny them access to equal educational opportunity and their basic civil rights.
Additionally part of this display are a collection of banners depicting the history of desegregation in Buncombe County titled, ‘With All Deliberate Speed: Desegregation and Buncombe County.’ These banners can be seen on the walls surrounding the In Pursuit of Freedom Exhibition and will be available throughout the exhibition in Ramsey Library.
