What happened in Williamston during the desegregation of pubic schools?
In the early 60’s the public school system was asked to desegregate. I was a teacher at EJ Hayes at that time. There was a lot of concern from parents and educators about changing schools. Students were faced with violence and jail time to disrobe the system. There were not many black people working in public places and segregation was very evident. For example the water fountain at the courthouse was for whites only and at R&C’s restaurant blacks had to get their food through a window. Students were disenchanted with the way desegregation was being handled. The leaders of the movement were Sarah Small, Mary Lou Mobley, and Francis King. It was these women who organized the students. The marches would start at E.J. Hayes march through the downtown and would end at Green Memorial Church. Green was one of the few churches that allowed blacks to meet in order to discuss events and organize. Styron Bond was a grocery store owner. He allowed his property to be used as the place people could
