Milford school integration film screening and discussion set
In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the civil rights ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, the Lewes Public Library will present a screening and discussion of the film “In Due Course: Integrating Milford High School” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.
“In Due Course” by Michael Oates of 302 Stories explores the 1954 failed attempt to desegregate Milford High School and the later successful admission of Black students in 1961. This powerful look at those demanding racial justice, and those denying it, is depicted through the experiences and actions of the students, parents, community, lawyers and judge who were part of the story.
Tom Summers of Milford Museum will introduce the film and engage in conversation afterward with Ed Kee, co-author of “The Milford Eleven,” a chronicle of the students involved in the initial integration attempt, and Edna Sharp, who was one of the Milford Eleven students integrating the school.
Though he will not be present, “The Milford Eleven” co-author Orlando Camp was one of those 11 who integrated Milford High School that year.
Registration is required. To sign up, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.
The screening is the second in a series of community events on racial justice in Delaware co-developed by Chanta Howard Wilkinson, Esq., a Lewes-based consultant and expert on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and Ronald Collins, legal scholar and Lewes Public Library distinguished lecturer. The series aims to educate the public about the history of desegregation through an understanding of the times, communities, challenges, and aftermath.
“When we ignore the past, we erase it and, in the process, deny the living the ability to learn from it. This is especially true when it comes to racial justice and the struggles to end the persistent badges of slavery,” said Howard Wilkinson. “Moving forward begins with looking back and committing to sharing the stories of courageous heroes and trailblazers who played a crucial role along the path for civil rights and equal justice.”
“History is an exercise in truth-telling, and it is best when the unvarnished truth is offered up to students and others alike,” said Collins. “Yes, sometimes the truth can be horrid; then again some dared to make it honorable. Their stories, properly understood, can serve as guideposts to advance the cause of equal justice.”
