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Brown v. Board of EducationOct 31, 2007
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It is only a little past noon so we decide to head for Topeka and the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site.
On May 17, 1954, the meaning of equality in America came early into focus when the nation's highest court ended legally sanctioned segregation in public schools. Fifty years later, Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site interprets the legacy of this historic decision.
The site is in the old Monroe Elementary School, which closed in 1975 due to lower enrollment. The exhibits on segregation and the attempts to end it are outstanding. The setting is relaxed; the methods of presentation are modern and up to date in technology.
At one point you are able to be a black student attempting to desegregate the Little Rock High School. You walk through the exhibit while around you other students are chanting, jeering and calling you names.
The introductory movie covers the why of segregation as well as the results and those who fought to end it. The surroundings are comfortable and you relax while watching and are better able to absorb what is being heard and seen.
For today's students who do not get a comprehensive detailed study of the events of segregation and the Supreme Court decision to end it this is a terrific way to learn.
