Several May events highlight Green vs. New Kent anniversary celebration
Events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Case Green vs. New Kent School Board will take place in May.
On Saturday, May 5, from 2-4 p.m., an introduction of the landmark case with panel discussion will take place in the auditorium of George Watkins Elementary School. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Jody Allen of the College of William and Mary and Dr. Brian Daugherity of Virginia Commonwealth University. New Kent Stagehands will perform music of the 1960’s as part of a special Kids Corner program that day as well.
On Tuesday, May 15, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., the George Watkins School PTO will sponsor a program on the history of the school. The program will have a tour featuring presentations by students and a pictorial exhibit.
On Sunday, May 20, from 3-5 p.m., a musical celebration program will take place at New Kent High School with the One Voice Chorus Ensemble of Richmond. Dr. Corey D. Walker of Virginia Union University will be the guest speaker of the program.
On Sunday, May 27, from 2-5 p.m., a panel will discus civil rights in the 21st century. A short film on the Green decision will be shown, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Allen. Panel members include Dr. Michael Miltsner, one of the original lawyers on the case, Dr. Wilmer Leon of “Inside the Issues”, Dr. Linneal Henderson, professor at the University of Baltimore and College of William and Mary, and Ms. Michaele Turange Young, Senior Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
The Green decision established the duty of the school boards across the country to eliminate all vestiges of state-imposed segregation and to eliminate racial discrimination “root and branch.” The decision is regarded as the most significant public school desegregation decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court following Brown vs. Board of Education.
All events are free to the public. For information, visit www.greenvnewkent.com or call Camilla Tramuel at 757-810-6037.