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Charleston National Commemorative Site
Charleston, Franklin County, Arkansas
"It is our responsibility to care for and educate all
the children in our community." Woodrow W. Haynes,
School Superintendent, Charleston Public Schools, 1954.
A story of Pride and Courage
On July 27, 1954, the Charleston School Board decided to
integrate it's school system. Their decision responded
to the United States Supreme Court's landmark ruling,
Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, made
three months earlier. It ruled that segregation in
public education was unconstitutional and illegal.
In the spirit of civic obedience, the Charleston school
board voted unanimously to "...disband the colored
school and admit the colored children into the Grade and
High School" when classes opened in the fall.
Charleston, Arkansas, was the first school district in
the eleven states of the former Confederacy to end
school segregation in response to the Brown vs. Board
decision.
As a result, on August 23, 1954, eleven African-American
students, including three ninth-graders and eight
elementary-grade children, and some 480 white students
began attending classes together in one integrated
school system.
Charleston
Justice
Commitment
Courage
1954
First Community in the South to integrate its school.
Barbara Williams
First female African-American graduate at CHS.
"It was a little scary at first, but nothing like
what happened in Little Rock. Most students were
nice and all of the teachers were good to me and
very helpful. Betty Joyce Aldridge was my best
friend and she helped me a lot. In fact, we helped
each other. Better educational opportunities were
provided through integration."
Joe Ferguson, Jr.
"...we must realize that the individuals making the
decisions at that time had to be cautious for the school
and all its students. Today I have only fond memories of
Charleston SChool and my classmates have always been
considered as my friends. Thanks Charleston High"
Venoma Hiatt
Teacher when Charleston High School integrated.
"As a mother, a teacher, and having grown up in the
depression years, I can say" integration was morally and
financially the right things to do. The transition went
smoothly. I only remember cooperation, friendliness, and
smiles."
Archie Schaffer III
Charleston School Student in 1954
"Having been a member of the first grade in 1954 when
Charleston Schools integrated, I knew nothing but
tolerance of diversity in skin color, political views,
and all other areas. My father, who was a member of the
Charleston School Board in 1954 would allow nothing less
in our household."
Woodrow W. Haynes
Superintendent, Charleston Public Schools, 1954
"The school is the heart of our community, therefore we
must always work cooperatively to do what is best for
everyone."
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