Black Virginia students denied classes from 1959-64 get diplomas

Jet, June 30, 2003

The Black students of Prince Edward County in Farmville, VA, who were denied an education four decades ago recently received honorary diplomas in hopes of healing old wounds from the days of segregation.

In a ceremony at Prince Edward County High School approximately 400 former Black students, also known as the "lost generation," received honorary high school diplomas from the county's school district.

The diplomas were given in hopes of making amends for the segregationist period known as "massive resistance" during which Prince Edward became the only county in the nation to close its public schools from 1959-1964 rather than to integrate. During this time a private school was established for the White students while many of the Black children finished their education elsewhere or never returned to school at all.

U.S. Rep. Robert C. Scott (D-VA), the keynote speaker, said the graduation was a "major step toward putting the past behind us." He noted, however, that much work remains in the fight for equal rights in education.

In a gesture of reconciliation, the Virginia General Assembly this year passed a resolution expressing "profound regret" for the school closings.

"Today is extremely important to start to heal some of the wounds," said Democratic state Delegate Viola Baskerville, who is Black. "Virginia didn't even want to discuss this for many years. It was like it was swept under the rug."

Baskerville told those who received honorary diplomas that the ceremony means, "We haven't forgotten."