Additional Statements

Floor Speech

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the
resilience, determination, and courage of the community of Hoxie, AR
for its leadership in school desegregation and the foundation it laid
for integration across the country.

This year, the community is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the
first day of school for the African-American students who became known
as the Hoxie 21.

This small northeast Arkansas community voluntarily integrated its
schools in the summer of 1955 in response to the Supreme Court case
Brown v. Board of Education. The reasoning for the school board and
Superintendent Kunkel Edward Vance's decision was simple; integration
was ``morally right in the sight of God.''

On July 11, 1955, African-American students made history in Hoxie and
helped build the momentum for integration.

This unprecedented move began with a smooth transition, and the
students were welcomed into the school. The news of a small town in the
South desegregating peacefully caught the attention of Life magazine,
and in its July 1955 issue the story captured the attention of the
world. Unfortunately, the media attention brought with it an avalanche
of negativity despite the positive and peaceful progression.

This action was unpopular in the South and while segregationists
flooded the community in protest, families of the Hoxie 21 and school
leaders stood their ground and with great faith persevered against the
inequality.

The Hoxie School Board fought back by filing suit on the
segregationists, charging the segregationists with trespassing on
school property, threatening picket lines, organizing boycotts and
intimidating school officials. Citizens of Hoxie of all races
peacefully waited for a resolution, and with encouragement from the
NAACP were able to stand up against the verbal and physical threats
from the segregationists. Their patience and fortitude was
soon rewarded. In September, the FBI became involved in the
investigation. Two months later, Federal District Judge Thomas C.
Trimble ruled that segregationists prevented integration in Hoxie, and
issued a temporary restraining order against them. In December, a
permanent ban against the segregationists was issued and later upheld
by the Supreme Court, freeing the school of their influence. It was the
first mediation in support of a school district trying to comply with
Brown v. Board of Education--a momentous moment for the country and a
victory for integration.

This decision was instrumental in desegregating the entire country
and was a major victory for the 14th Amendment. This demonstrates that
change only comes when people stand up for what is morally right.

I congratulate the town of Hoxie and the Hoxie 21 on this milestone.
I am encouraged by your dedication to share this history and positive
message. I thank the Hoxie 21 and the community for their bravery in
the face of adversity. It is an honor to tell your story and educate
people about your struggle.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source