Author and Civil Rights activist John Stokes June 1, 2008

In 1951, a group of African-American students in Prince Edward County, Va. went on strike to protest the substandard conditions at the segregated Robert Russa Moton High School. The school did not have a gymnasium, cafeteria or teachers' restrooms. Due to overcrowding, three plywood buildings had been erected and some students had to take classes in an immobile school bus parked outside. Teachers and students did not have desks or blackboards. The students eventually became plaintiffs in a lawsuit that was part of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. While many of the student leaders remained silent, for fear of retribution, John A. Stokes has written a book about his experiences during those days Students on Strike: Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Brown, and Me. Stokes will speak of his experiences and sign copies of his book on Saturday, June 1 at 2 p.m. in the Williamsburg Library Theatre, 515 Scotland Street. The program is free of charge and reservations are not needed. Mr. Stokes's visit is made possible through the generosity of National Geographic. For more information, call (757) 259-4055.

In 1959, Prince Edward County closed its schools rather than comply with desegregation orders, and deprived thousands of black students an education until county schools reopened in 1964. This forms the background to Stokes book. He describes how he and his family survived under the severe restrictions of the Jim Crow South. Seeking a more equal education, Stokes and his fellow students created and implemented intricate strike plans. The book discusses how the local African-American community supported their efforts in spite of the "massive resistance" of white Virginians. Stokes inspiring story reveals an almost completely unreported part of one of the most important court cases of the 20th century, and his appearance at Williamsburg will be of interest to those who lived through those times as well as those to whom it all seems distant history.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of programs.