HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL NR 2019-09-20 Author to Discuss Civil Rights Movement at TBL
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2019
Media Contact:
Leah Kosin, Assistant Public Information Officer
lkosin@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2781
Author to Discuss Local Effects of Civil Rights Movement at
Thomas Balch Library
Leesburg, VA (September 20, 2019) – Author Ken Woodley
will discuss his book, “The Road to Healing: A Civil Rights
Reparations Story in Prince Edward County, Virginia” at the
Thomas Balch Library on Sunday, September 29 beginning at 2
p.m.
Filled with political twists and turns, the story highlights an act
of massive resistance to the Brown vs. Board of Education
Supreme Court decision, when public schools in Prince Edward
County, Virginia closed rather than admit black students, back
in 1959.
While white students continued their education in private
schools, black students were left without a formal education
for five years until schools were finally forced to integrate.
Woodley’s book outlines his advocacy in the form of newspaper columns, written for the very
paper that had advocated the closures, and in personal dialogue with elected officials,
philanthropists, and power brokers at the local, state, and national levels. Through his
unceasing efforts, the conscience of the community was awakened to understand the extent of
the injustices of the past, and to unite in making amends.
This discussion is open to the public and will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information,
call the Thomas Balch Library at 703-737-7195.
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