In the landmark 1954 court case Brown V. Board of Education, the Supreme Court declared segregation unconstitutional. Six years later, in 1960, Raleigh finally integrated the public school system. William Campbell was the first African American student to attend an all white school in Raleigh, but he was not the first to try. On Saturday, February 28 at 2:00p.m. meet Joe Holt, the first African American student to try to integrate the Wake County Public School System. Join Mr. Holt and museum staff as we explore the challenges African Americans faced when they fought for equal education in public schools. While Mr. Holt did not successfully integrate the Wake County Schools, his story is one of courage and determination. Mr. Holt will share his 37 minute documentary, "Exhausted Remedies: Joe Holt's Story," that chronicles the numerous attempts his family made to ensure he had an education equal to white students. Following the documentary, Mr. Holt will happily answer questions and further discuss his experiences during the 1950s in a segregated Raleigh. Admission is free.

The Raleigh City Museum is located in the Historic Briggs Building at 220 Fayetteville Street. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday, 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. and Saturday, 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Admission to the museum and programs is free. Come explore our newest exhibit, The [R]evolution of Media: The history of newspaper, radio, and television in Raleigh. Permanent exhibits include, It Started With One Thousand Acres: Raleigh and its People, Raleigh's City Flag: 100 Years, and Let Us March On: Raleigh's Journey Towards Civil Rights. The museum's temporary exhibit, Higher Education in Raleigh: The foundations of a legacy has been extended through the spring of 2009. Call (919) 832-3775 ext. 11 or visit our website at http://www.raleighcitymuseum.org for more information.

Related Links

1. http://www.raleighcitymuseum.org