A statue of teenage activist Barbara Rose Johns is now on display at the US Capitol, replacing a Confederate general’s statue that was removed years ago. The new statue shows Johns standing in protest, holding a tattered book over her head. It commemorates her 1951 student strike for equal education at a segregated Virginia high school.
Johns’ fight for equality led to a landmark Supreme Court decision declaring “separate but equal” public schools unconstitutional. Her activism has been recognized as a key moment in American history, with lawmakers and dignitaries praising her courage and determination.
The statue was unveiled on Tuesday, featuring Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries among others. It is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection at the Capitol, which features statues representing each state. The Johns statue will be placed in the Crypt, replacing a statue that was removed after George Floyd’s death.
This honor marks a significant shift towards recognizing and celebrating American activists who fought for equality and justice, rather than those who represented segregation and racism.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/us-capitol-unveils-statue-of-teen-civil-rights-icon-barbara-rose-johns-taking-robert-e-lees-spot