The Athens branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History will be hosting a program titled “Uncommon Valor: The Integration of Clarke County Public Schools in 1963,” as a part of their Annual Founder’s Day events on Sunday.
The program is dedicated to the first five African American children who attended previously all-white schools, all of whom will be panelists at the event.
Scott Michael Killian, Wilucia Green, Majorie Green, Agnes Green, and Bonnie Hampton were the first to attend previously segregated schools in the Clarke County School District on Sept. 2 of 1963.
Athens-ASALH president Dr. Sandy Martin said, “We want them to know how much we appreciate them and their legacy.”
Author Micheal Thurmond, Mayor Kelly Girtz, and Clarke County School Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker will be in attendance as special guests. In addition to the Clarke County School District and Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, many other local organizations are co-sponsoring the event.
The program will begin at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Vernon Payne Meeting Hall at the Clarke County School District headquarters, with a reception at the Taylor Grady House to follow. Attendance is free and open to the public.
