Events announced for Green vs. New Kent 50th anniversary

By Community Member | January 28, 2018 5:43 pm

Green vs. New Kent 50th Anniversary Chairwoman Camilla Tramuel (seated) finalizes plans for the upcoming event. She is joined by committee members (l to r) Matt Settlemire, Peg Noctor, Lavonne Allen, Burrell Pollard, Sylvia Hathaway, and Larry Woodson.

The Green vs. New Kent committee has announced plans for the 50th anniversary of the Charles C. Green. vs. County School Board of New Kent County, landmark case heard by the United States Supreme Court on May 27, 1968.

The Green decision established the duty of school boards to eliminate all vestiges of state-imposed segregation and further placed an affirmative duty on school boards to integrate schools. The case is recognized as the most significant public school desegregation of the Supreme Court following Brown vs. Board of Education, changing the practice of school systems throughout the nation. Because of the action, both George W. Watkins School and New Kent Historic School are designated as National Historic Landmarks by virtue of their involvement in the Green decision.

Several events are planned over the month of May to celebrate the anniversary on the decision:

–Saturday, May 5: An introduction to the Green Case will take place from 2-4 p.m. at George Watkins Elementary School. A Kids Corner will take place simultaneously at the school.

–Tuesday, May 15: The History of George W. Watkins Elementary School will start 7 p.m. with a tour of the school and student presentations.

–Sunday, May 20: Green Celebration Service will take place at New Kent High School from 3-5 p.m.

–Sunday, May 27: Civil Rights in the 21st Century and Beyond will take place at New Kent High School from 2-5 p.m. This is the culminating event of the 50th anniversary and will include a film on Green vs. County School Board and a panel discussion.

For more information of the upcoming events, visit the committee’s website at www.greenvnewkent.com.