Features
Humans of Williams
By Madeleine McPherson
December 10, 2024
​
“What motivated me to become a teacher thinking back, it goes, it traces back to when I was in college. I learned about the Civil Rights Movement, I took a class in the Civil Rights Movement, and I learned a lot of things in that class in college that I did not learn in high school, and it's kind of pushed me to think back at my high school experience and some of the things that I did not learn. So I wanted to become a high school teacher to try to correct some of those, if not, misconceptions, those things that are left out, especially in history classes.
I find that those things can be very powerful in shaping how we see the world around us today."​​​​​​​​​​​
​
-Mr. Christensen
Subjects: American History, AP US History, IB History of the Americas
The Integration of Walter M. Williams and Jordan Sellars High School
By Hayden Hernandez
December 16, 2024
​
The integration of Walter M. Williams High School marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement within Burlington’s educational system. During the 1969-1970 school year, students from the historically African American Jordan Sellars High School joined Williams High. This transition aimed to unify students of different racial backgrounds under one school, following the desegregation mandates established by the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision.
​
Founded in 1951 as an all-white school, Williams High faced significant challenges during this period. The process of integration revealed deep racial tensions, as evidenced by the events of 1969 and beyond.
​
The Riot of 1969
In May 1969, racial tensions at Williams High reached a boiling point. A controversy over the selection of an all-white cheerleading squad sparked protests among Black students and community members. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations escalated into a full-scale riot, leading Governor Bob Scott to declare a state of emergency and deploy 400 National Guard troops to Burlington.
​
Tragically, the riot resulted in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Leon Mebane. His death became a painful symbol of the struggles surrounding integration. Eyewitnesses alleged police misconduct during the incident, but no charges were ever filed, leaving a lasting wound in the community.
​
Continuing Struggles in the 1990s
The challenges of integration did not end with the 1960s. Articles and yearbooks from the early 1990s reveal ongoing racial discord at Williams.
​
For example, a piece titled “Don’t Panic” highlighted anxieties about rumored racial fights in the school’s halls. Such incidents were often fueled by discussions in the student newspaper, where frustrations about systemic inequities and racial violence were openly expressed. In one article, a Black student shared their anger about these issues, eliciting mixed reactions from the school community.
​
Finding Unity
Despite these struggles, efforts were made to foster unity among students. Principal Harold Brewer, as referenced in a Times-News article, emphasized the importance of multicultural tolerance and understanding.
Additionally, student-led discussions and articles in The Barker—the school newspaper—provided platforms to address racism and promote dialogue about equality.
​
A Legacy of Progress and Perseverance
The history of Walter M. Williams High School reflects the complexities of desegregation and the ongoing fight for racial equality. The events of 1969 and the subsequent decades illustrate how challenging progress can be. However, they also highlight the importance of understanding, unity, and the courage to confront injustice.
_edited.jpg)
