We are trying to change that by increasing awareness by sharing news articles of the commemorative the events. On July 11, 1955, 23 African American students were peacefully integrated among the 1,000 white students at Hoxie High School. Supreme Court ruled that racially segregated public schools, violated the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The Hoxie School Board and Superintendent Kunkel Edw
ard Vance agreed and voted to support integration citing that it was “right in the sight of God,” it complied with the Supreme Court’s decision and it saved money. The Hoxie story is a significant moment in history because it was the first “challenged” desegregation in Arkansas, 2 years before Little Rock Central High School integration. The Hoxie event is truly an American success story that exemplifies the positive values of our country. However, it wasn’t until 2002, that the significance of the Hoxie story would be captured in a nationally televised PBS documentary, “Hoxie: The First Stand” by Professor David Appleby, University of Memphis. The film, “Doing What Was Right” (TeleVision for Arkansas, 2004), also captured the historical significance of the event. On Labor Day weekend 2004, the State of Arkansas officially recognized Hoxie’s place in history during a series of events held in Hoxie & Walnut Ridge. The State proclaimed the 21 African American students “The Hoxie21” during their 49th Anniversary and Reunion of the desegregation. If you would like to learn more about Hoxie story, see our website at www.hoxie21.org. You can also find several excellent articles published by the Times Dispatch in their archives. The Hill Foundation is working with State & Local leaders and Hoxie School officials to hopefully bring more recognition this successful story of diversity and place a similar type monument on the Hoxie School campus.
