What was it like to go to an all black segregated school during and after the Brown v/s Board of Education ruling in 1954? What led to segregation and why did so many of these students achieve at such a high rate, many surpassing their counterparts. Teachers actually cared, and teachers actually taught. Could this impact how students are taught today?

Iona Griggs Holins lived this story. She and her school mates endured many injustices but were enabled by a higher power to overcome and excel. She has retired from a career in education spanning 41 years. She faithfully attends her high school reunions every 2 years held in cities around the country.

This story is about the long struggle for the education of blacks in the bootheel of Missouri. Hayti, Missouri located in the heart of Pemiscot county ( one of the poorest counties in the entire United States ) maintained seperate schools for children until well after the supreme court ruling of 1954. The story speaks about parents who would stop at nothing to give their children something they never had--an opportunity for an education, hower unequal or unfunded.

Iona Hollins@ grandpamabear@yahoo.com