Title:
An In-Depth Look at the Desegregation of Chattanooga City Schools
An In-Depth Look at the Desegregation of Chattanooga City Schools
Author(s)
Whiteside, Kaitlyn
Advisor(s)
Bayor, Ronald
Editor(s)
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Abstract
While much research has been done regarding the Civil Rights Movement and
school desegregation in Atlanta and other major Southern cities, information
regarding Chattanooga, TN has never been published. As a vibrant city with
a large African American community and an interesting mix of both Southerners and
former Yankees who emigrated after the Civil war, Chattanooga’s story is an important
one to be told. This study covers the story of desegregation through a legal lens
as a major lawsuit in Chattanooga was ultimately what brought about desegregation
in the public school system. Through interviews, oral histories, and original
legal documents from the case, the paper highlights the struggle between the
African American community and the school board in the fight for equal education.
A small group of African American parents stood up to the all-white
board of education and demanded that their children be given full-time,
equal education. Although many in the White community questioned
the legality of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education
and later staunchly opposed desegregation, the lawsuit ultimately
resulted in one of the most peaceful desegregation attempts
made in the South. The case, entitled Mapp v. Board of Education
resulted in a twenty-six year legal battle for equal rights, and
school desegregation was only the beginning.
Sponsor
Office of Student Media; Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program; Georgia Tech Library.
Date Issued
2012
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Article