News Release

Commemoration of 52nd Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education Decision

Date: May 18, 2006

Date: May 18, 2006
Contact: Nichole McHenry, [phone]

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site commemorated the 52nd Anniversary of the unanimous 1954 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended legal segregation in public schools on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, while celebrating the park’s two-year anniversary of being officially open to the public.

In conjunction with the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research, National Park Service and Washburn University, the park hosted the Little Rock Nine students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School. Carlotta LaNier and Terrance Roberts told their story to students at Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School. The commemoration included a Recognition and Remembrance Banquet which was held at the Ramada Inn on the night of May 17, where more than 350 people were in attendance. Marc Morial, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League was the keynote speaker. While in Topeka, the Little Rock Nine visited Brown v. Board of Education NHS.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day and is free to the public. The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.