“Today is the anniversary of one of the most important and momentous days in the history of America. Fifty years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the bold opinion, that ‘separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.’ This decision made the segregation of students based on the color of their skin effectively illegal in Kansas and the twenty other states with segregated classrooms. 

”It’s hard to imagine that less than fifty years ago, black and white children were not allowed to sit in the classroom together. They were not allowed to ride the same school bus, or drink from the same water fountain. Black children were taught with out-of-date textbooks and school supplies in overcrowded and rundown school buildings often steps from modern buildings.   Fortunately today, these dismal aspects are a scar from our past.  But the Supreme Court’s decision didn’t just happen by a sudden awakening of the nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices. Much of the credit for this change in history is due to the brave schoolchildren, parents, and teachers who took the initiative and confronted the insensible matter of segregation.  

“In reflection I am reminded of a quote made by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren during the Brown decision:  ‘To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone.’ Those are the sound words from a wise man. I can’t think of a better rationale that summarizes the logical reasoning behind the Supreme Court’s decision.”