Most students wanted peaceful integration
I read the editorial (Feb. 21) about the honor being bestowed on Josephine Boyd Bradley. I am very happy that she is getting recognized for the brave stand she took during the early stages of the civil rights movement. I have often thought about her, and I am sure I could not have done what she did. She certainly deserves the recognition Greensboro (Grimsley) High is giving her.
As a member of the class of 1958, however, I think your editorial was unfair to the majority of students who were at Greensboro High that year. While I am sure there were some unpleasant incidents, most students were not involved in them. I was active in student government, and I know a real effort was made by the student government and many other organizations on campus to make her year as pleasant as possible. Many of us felt it was not fair to her to be the only black person at GHS, a decision certainly not made by the students.
I must add that the person who took the famous picture of the sit-ins at Woolworth's two years later was Rufus Russell, a friend of mine and also a member of the "infamous" class of 1958.
Peggy Sink Fitzpatrick
Ellicott City, Md.
Comments (3)
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Actually, didn't Jack Moebes take those famous pictures? Jack worked for the News-Record, had a law degree but preferred being a photographer. Jack provided his work to the YMCA and Triangle Y Ranch and was a good man and father.
Posted on March 13, 2006 10:40 AM
Wonderful letter, Peggy. Unfortunately the bad news gets more headlines.
Posted on March 13, 2006 12:26 PM
It's nice to be reminded of what it takes to be heroic. Many people in the past had opportunities to do heroic deeds, but only a handful were up to it. I am thankful for the few who stood up and risked their lives for justice.
Posted on March 14, 2006 10:52 AM