Attend "Uncommon Valor: The Integration of Clarke County Public Schools in 1963" on Sept. 17

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 17
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Location: Vernon Payne Meeting Hall, Clarke County School District headquarters (595 Prince Avenue)

The Athens Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) proudly presents a commemoration of the students who integrated Athens’ public schools in 1963.

Sixty years after five African American children broke Clarke County’s racial barrier by enrolling in previously all-white public schools, the Athens community will pay tribute to these local heroes in a program titled “Uncommon Valor: The Integration of Clarke County Public Schools in 1963.” It was on September 2, 1963, more than nine years after the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education that declared an end to segregated schools, that third-grader Scott Michael Killian enrolled at Chase Street Elementary School; Wilucia Green integrated Athens High School; and her sister Marjorie Green, Agnes Green (no relation) and Bonnie Hampton joined white students at the now-defunct Childs Street School (known at the time as Clarke County Junior High School).

This commemorative program is part of ASALH’s annual Founder’s Day celebration held each September and will include a panel discussion with all five of the former students. Other special guests appearing on the program include author/historian Michael L. Thurmond, Clarke County Schools superintendent Robbie Hooker and Athens-Clarke County mayor Kelly Girtz. The panel will be moderated by WUGA’s Alexia Ridley.

A reception will follow the program at the Taylor-Grady House. Both events are free and open to the public.