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The Road to Justice

The story of Brown v. Board of Education, which ended legal segregation in public schools, is one of hope and courage. When the people agreed to be plaintiffs in the case, they never knew they would change history. The people who make up this story were ordinary people. They were teachers, secretaries, welders, ministers and students who simply wanted to be treated equally.


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Dennis A. Vasquez, Superintendent

Superintendent's Welcome

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site keeps alive and furthers the legacy of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that forever changed this country’s history. The National Park Service cares for special places and special stories saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. We are proud to share this American story with those who may visit in person or with those who may visit through our outreach efforts.

Superintendent Dennis A. Vásquez

 
Timeline in exhibit

Timeline

What percentage of Virginia's population was represented by African Americans in 1670? When did the U.S. Supreme Court rule that "separate but equal" segregated facilities on public transportation were constitutional? What year did President Harry S. Truman issue an executive order to ban segregation in the armed forces?
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Mother and daughter sitting on the U.S. Supreme Court building steps holding a newspaper with a headline about the end of segregation in schools.

The Five Cases

In December, 1952, the United States Supreme Court had on its docket cases from Kansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, South Carolina, and Virginia, all of which challenged the constitutionality of racial segregation in public schools. The Court had consolidated these five cases under one name, Oliver Brown et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka.
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Superintendent's Blog

11/19/2008--Today marks the anniversary of the most famous speech made by a president of the United States. On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered a short address at a ceremony to dedicate the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania a few months after a pivotal battle of the Civil War took place there.

Click the link below to read the thoughts of the Superintendent on these and other issues.
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1515 SE Monroe Street
Topeka, KS 66612

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Phone

Visitor Information
(785) 354-4273

Fax

(785) 354-7213

Climate

Kansas enjoys four distinct seasons. You may expect mild springs, hot summers, warm falls and chilly winters.
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United States Supreme Court  

Did You Know?
The U.S. Supreme Court charged states to move with “all deliberate speed” to end segregation in public schools in 1955 in what is known as Brown II.--Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

Last Updated: January 09, 2009 at 16:29 EST