The Memphis 13 facts for kids
The Memphis 13 were a brave group of young children. They helped to end segregation in schools in Memphis, TN. On October 3, 1961, these 13 African-American first-grade students started attending schools that were only for white students before. These schools were Bruce, Gordon, Rozelle, and Springdale elementary schools.
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The Memphis 13: Integrating Schools
Who Were These Young Pioneers?
The 13 students were very young, all in the first grade. They went to four different elementary schools. Here are their names and the schools they attended:
- Bruce Elementary: Dwania Kyles, Harry Williams, Michael Willis
- Gordon Elementary: Alvin Freeman, Sharon Malone, Sheila Malone, Pamela Mayes
- Rozelle Elementary: Joyce Bell, E.C. Freeman, Leandrew Wiggins, Clarence Williams
- Springdale Elementary: Deborah Ann Holt, Jacqueline Moore
A Peaceful Step Forward
When these students started school, there was no violence. This was different from what happened in other parts of the South. There wasn't much news about it either.
Reverend Samuel Kyles was in charge of the local NAACP's education committee. He said that choosing first-graders was a plan. He believed younger children were better suited to help integrate the schools.
Remembering Their Important Story
The story of the Memphis 13 has been made into a documentary. Professor Daniel Kiel from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law created it. The film is 35 minutes long. It includes interviews with the 13 students and their families. They share their experiences and feelings from that time.
In October 2015, special historical markers were placed. These markers are at the four schools the students attended. The students have also been honored in other ways. They received "Be the Dream" awards in Memphis in January 2016. Their documentary has been shown at many places. These include Harvard Law School and the Little Rock Reel Civil Rights Film Festival.
