The 50th anniversary of Clinton’s desegregation

August 26 – On August 27, 1956 the City of Clinton, TN changed history when 12 black students, who amidst violent protest, courageously walked a half-mile from the all black Green McAdoo School to integrate Clinton High School. On the 50th anniversary, U.S. Reps. Zach Wamp and John Lewis, a pioneer in the civil rights movement, were in Clinton to dedicate and celebrate the opening of the Green McAdoo Culture Center and Museum. “We are here for four reasons. We are here to honor what happened here, we are here to honor the people who made it happen, we are here to honor the community that has embraced it with so much love and we are here to rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice and equality,” Zach told the crowd who was there to honor the students.

The center features the story of Clinton’s role in desegregation with memorabilia, artifacts, interactive displays and an exhibit area that replicates a 1950’s classroom. Reps. Wamp and Lewis join the students in the classroom for an introductory film of the museum.

Congressmen Wamp and Lewis join the Clinton 12 as the ribbon is officially cut opening the civil rights museum. “We are here to honor the people who made it happen and they are the Clinton 12 and 10 of those 12 are with us today. And even their teacher, almost 93 years old, is here with us today, and we honor you so much,” said Zach.