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MNPS Marks 60th Anniversary Of Desegregation

Posted at 10:33 PM, Oct 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-23 23:57:41-04

Sixty years after 16 first graders made history in Nashville and became the first students to desegregate Metro Nashville Public Schools, the school district is working to mark the anniversary.

On September 9th, 1957, the students and their parents made a historic walk past angry protesters to attend six schools throughout the city.  Photos from the Nashville Public Library, Special Collections Division document their bravery in a tumultuous time.

“I can only imagine 16 kids and 16 sets of parents making a decision that this concept of public education isn’t public.  It isn’t available to everyone,” said Dr. Sharon Gentry, a MNPS Board Member.

Now MNPS Board Members want to track down the 16 students to hear their stories.  Discussion on the idea started at the September board meeting.

“I think it’s a very exciting opportunity to educate Nashville and our students about a time in history that changed this city,” said Dr. Shawn Joseph, Director of Metro Schools.

The effort is just part of a year-long initiative to mark a chapter in the city’s history.  District officials believe information from the former students can be incorporated into lesson plans, and included in the Civil Rights Room at the Downtown Nashville Library.

“I think all the students of Metro Nashville Public Schools needs to understand the sacrifices that were made by a small group of students and families,” said Will Pinkston, a MNPS Board member.

There is also discussion of holding a professional development seminar to educate MNPS principals about the history of the school system, and adding some kind of sculpture or historical marker outside the board of education building.

MNPS officials believe understanding the past can help the district build for the future.

“We really view this as a year long celebration of the progress, and recognition that the is a lot of work left to do,” said Pinkston.

MNPS officials have heard from six of the “Nashville 16.”  They believe three of the students have passed away.  If you have information on how to contact the remaining students, contact Cameo Bobo at cameo.bobo@mnps.org or (615) 259-8487.