Students Commemorate 1951 Moton School Walkout

On Wednesday, April 23, students from Prince Edward County High School and Fuqua participated in a commemoration of the 1951 Moton School Walkout by taking a walk down Main Street Farmville.

At approximately 10:15 a.m., students arrived by bus at the Old Kroger parking lot and crossed the road to the Moton Museum where they were given instructions on how to proceed.

The students were informed that they were to walk on the sidewalks from the Moton Museum to the courthouse where a short program would take place. With respect to those who participated in the 1951 walkout, they were asked to refrain from the use of cell phones and only talk in a low voice if they wanted to speak.

Once reaching the front of the Prince Edward courthouse, the students and public were welcomed by Justin Reid of the Moton Museum. Reverend Samuel Williams followed with a benediction and guest speakers Joan Johns Cobbs (Barbara Johns’ sister), Edwilda Allen (former Moton student) and Joy Carrabas Speakes (former Moton student) offered first-hand accounts of the events that took place in 1951.

Farmville Police were on hand during the walk at intersections to ensure the safety of all students.