April 17, 2014

History came alive for a Russell Grove sponsored group of youth and adults with an exciting trip on April 17th to the Robert Russa Moton Museum in Farmville (formerly R.R. Moton High School). The museum is now designated as a National Historic Landmark, the birthplace of America’s Civil Rights Movement.

       The adventure started at the Russell Grove Museum with a word find activity and discussion that sparked a spirited exchange of ideas and memories from the 36-year saga of Russell Grove Elementary and High Schools. Chatter swirled around “chicken coop” buses of long ago, lack of adequate sports facilities but centered on the dedication of committed parents, teachers and principals.

      A van (provided by Mount Olive Baptist Church in partnership with RGA) transported the mixed-age group to Farmville, along with a few members in private cars. We first entered the gift shop of the R. R. Moton Museum and then proceeded to the first display room set up with a hearty catered box lunch. The Assistant Museum Director, Mr. Justin Reid, welcomed us and gave an introduction to the museum. Museum guides, Mr. Charles Taylor and Mrs. Shirley Eanes, provided us with an intensely personal remembrances of early days of segregation in Farmville, explaining the emotional pain of having their schools closed for 5 years (from 1959 to 1964). Because their schools were closed some parents sent their young children away to other counties and other states to prevent disruption in their education. The emotional impact of separated families lingers to this day.  A video featuring 16 year old Barbara Johns who sparked the 1951 Moton student strike added insight and background to our educational tour of the museum. Our guides led us from room to room, each distinctively marking some phase of the Civil Rights Movement including the Massive Resistance efforts in Virginia.

      The impetus of the Farmville boycott began with dissatisfaction over the leaky tarpaper shacks and denied request for improved facilities. It soon grew into a legal push for desegregation. Farmville became one of five plaintiffs appearing before the United States Supreme Court in the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education landmark decision desegregating U. S. Schools. Under court order, Farmville re-opened its public schools in 1964. Some students restarted their education at age 10 or 11 (in first grade) and some graduated from high school at age 21.  

    A brochure from the R. R. Moton Museum quotes the Washington Post Magazine saying, “The 1951 Moton student strike marked the start of the modern civil rights movement …. and forever changed the landscape of American education.”This tour was an eye-opening opportunity to study a chapter in history (both ours and America’s) that raised awareness and prompted questions from youth and adults. The trip was coordinated by Sylvia Hicks, Education Committee.

--- Phyllis Eggleston-Brown