Seventy years ago this month, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring racial segregation in America’s public schools unconstitutional. Chief Justice Earl Warren delivered the court’s decision, stating that separate educational facilities for Black and white students were inherently unequal.
While the ruling marked a significant moment in American civil rights history, its implementation has faced challenges over the years. Despite the slow progress towards desegregation in K-12 schools, many education policy researchers and civil rights activists believe that the promise of Brown v. Board remains largely unfulfilled.
Last year, the Supreme Court’s conservative justices revisited the issue of race in college admissions, ultimately ruling to end the use of affirmative action in higher education. This decision sparked divergent interpretations of the landmark civil rights ruling.
The aftermath of Brown v. Board was marked by protests, vitriol, and bravery from Black students who faced adversity in their pursuit of education. The decision set off a series of historic moments, captured in photographs that provide a glimpse into the tumultuous times that followed.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education continues to shape the ongoing fight for equality and justice in America’s education system.