1950 Walker-Grant Protest

In 1950, when Black seniors from Walker Grant High School sought to hold their commencement exercises at the Fredericksburg Community Center, their request was denied. Two weeks later, after further review by city officials, a compromise allowed the Black graduates to receive their diplomas from the side entrance, but that option was unacceptable to the 27 students. On June 6, 1950, they marched in protest from the community center to Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), where, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. B.H. Hester and the congregation, they received their diplomas with the dignity they deserved.

Fredericksburg, Virginia · United States