Francesca Mancuso On March 25, 2018, Linda Brown, champion of the fight against racial segregation, left us. At just 9 years old, little Linda marked a real turning point in America
@chicagotribune
In 1954, Oliver Brown took a decisive step that would mark a turning point in American history. He attempted to enroll his daughter, Linda, in a Topeka, Kansas, elementary school. However, the institution, adhering to the segregation policies of the time, rejected Linda because she was African American.
The fight for equality
Undeterred by this setback, the Brown family took action against the Topeka school board, challenging the systemic racial segregation. Their struggle quickly gained attention, revealing that other children had faced similar rejections. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) supported the Brown’s case, eventually bringing it before the Supreme Court.
In a landmark decision that same year, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Browns, stating that segregated educational facilities are “inherently unequal.
” This verdict was a watershed moment, leading to the dismantling of segregation within the American school system.
A legacy that lives on
“The legacy of Linda Brown is not just here, but nationally,” declared Kansas’ Commissioner of Education, Dale Dennis. “The impact she has had on our society has been incredible.”
Adding to this sentiment, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer remarked,
“Linda Brown’s life reminds us that by standing for our principles and serving our communities, we can truly change the world. Linda’s legacy is a vital part of American history and continues to inspire millions.”
Linda Brown passed away in her hometown of Topeka, leaving behind a story of courage and defiance that remains more relevant than ever today.
