
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 5, 1994                    TAG: 9406030418 
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS                     PAGE: 06    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Medium 
DATELINE: 940605                                 LENGTH:

RESISTING BROWN

{LEAD} Forty years ago this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its historic decision, Brown vs. Board of Education, Topeka, Kan., declaring ``Separate but equal accommodations for white and colored races'' was no longer the law of the land, and that school officials could no longer racially segregate their schools.

The indignities African-Americans suffered between these two decisions cannot be measured in terms of loss of lives, wealth and human dignities. This situation lasted 58 years legally. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that ``separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.''

{REST} It was not after this decision that the state of Virginia attempted to remain segregated by enforcing a policy called ``massive resistance'' to integration. Prince Edward County, the county I was to get my first teaching position became the first county in the United States where children did not have an opportunity to have a free public education. It was very disheartening to stand by and witness the state flaunt the law of the land.

As we look at schools in America today, we can take heart for the enormous social, economic and political impact that Brown vs. School Board 1994 has had on our society. As a result of this momentous decision, playgrounds, parks, housing, transportation, libraries, public accommodations and many other aspects of American life where ``Jim Crow'' (segregated laws) had been entrenched were done away with.

In 1952, Ralph Ellison wrote a book that said negroes in America were ``invisible,'' just as Africans were ``second class citizens.'' Brown vs. School Board, Topeka, Kan., enabled African-Americans visibility for the first time in the history of America. But, in spite of the progress made, demographic trends reveal in 1994 that public schools are, all over the country, segregating again. Giving momentum to this trend and socio-economics, such as family, tax base and the will and focus of each school district.

As we become more aware that America is multicultural, I look forward to the day when Americans will understand the correlation between ``world-class schools'' and a strong nation; ``quality education'' and trained workers; and an educated population and world-class leaders.

We have come along way since 1954, but, until we are able to take the ``differences'' of a multicultural society and use each group's gifts, talents, cultural wealth to its fullest, our nation will not fulfill its role as world leader as an example in human relationships.

Charles H. Bowens II

Portsmouth

June 1, 1994

Editor's note: Elder Bowens is a minister and a member of the Portsmouth School Board.

by CNB