[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9730-9731]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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      CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOXIE SCHOOL INTEGRATION

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the 
resilience, determination, and courage of the community of Hoxie, AR 
for its leadership in school desegregation and the foundation it laid 
for integration across the country.
  This year, the community is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 
first day of school for the African-American students who became known 
as the Hoxie 21.
  This small northeast Arkansas community voluntarily integrated its 
schools in the summer of 1955 in response to the Supreme Court case 
Brown v. Board of Education. The reasoning for the school board and 
Superintendent Kunkel Edward Vance's decision was simple; integration 
was ``morally right in the sight of God.''
  On July 11, 1955, African-American students made history in Hoxie and 
helped build the momentum for integration.
  This unprecedented move began with a smooth transition, and the 
students were welcomed into the school. The news of a small town in the 
South desegregating peacefully caught the attention of Life magazine, 
and in its July 1955 issue the story captured the attention of the 
world. Unfortunately, the media attention brought with it an avalanche 
of negativity despite the positive and peaceful progression.
  This action was unpopular in the South and while segregationists 
flooded the community in protest, families of the Hoxie 21 and school 
leaders stood their ground and with great faith persevered against the 
inequality.
  The Hoxie School Board fought back by filing suit on the 
segregationists, charging the segregationists with trespassing on 
school property, threatening picket lines, organizing boycotts and 
intimidating school officials. Citizens of Hoxie of all races 
peacefully waited for a resolution, and with encouragement from the 
NAACP were able to stand up against the verbal and physical threats 
from the segregationists. Their patience and fortitude was soon 
rewarded. In September, the FBI became involved in the investigation. 
Two months later, Federal District Judge Thomas C. Trimble ruled that 
segregationists prevented integration in Hoxie, and issued a temporary 
restraining order against them. In December, a permanent ban against 
the segregationists was issued and later upheld by the Supreme Court, 
freeing the school of their influence. It was the first mediation in 
support of a school district trying to comply with Brown v. Board of 
Education--a momentous moment for the country and a victory for 
integration.
  This decision was instrumental in desegregating the entire country 
and was a major victory for the 14th Amendment. This demonstrates that 
change only comes when people stand up for what is morally right.
  I congratulate the town of Hoxie and the Hoxie 21 on this milestone. 
I am encouraged by your dedication to share this history and positive 
message. I thank the Hoxie 21 and the community for their bravery in 
the face of adversity. It is an honor to tell your story and educate 
people about your struggle.

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