Memphis Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) led the Tennessee delegation in introducing a resolution celebrating the role of 85 students from the Scarboro neighborhood in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in the desegregation of public schools following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

On September 6, 1955, these 85 African American students – known as the “Scarboro 85” – entered all-white classrooms at Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High, becoming the first public schools in the Southeast region to integrate and implement the ruling of the Supreme Court.

“The Scarboro 85 made the monumental first step in integrating schools in Tennessee and the Southeast region. It is an honor to celebrate these 85 Tennesseans along with my colleagues in the Tennessee delegation following the 69th anniversary of desegregation at Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High School,” said Senator Blackburn.

“The moment the Scarboro 85 desegregated two public schools in Oak Ridge, a new chapter in America’s history began – a chapter where the fundamental truth of America envisioned by our Founders that ‘all men are created equal’ was fulfilled. The Scarboro 85 are heroes, and every American should know their story from coast to coast. I am honored to join Senator Blackburn and my Tennessee Congressional colleagues to honor the Scarboro 85 and their brave work,” said Representative Fleischmann.

The resolution highlights that on May 31, 1955, the Supreme Court decreed that schools should be desegregated "with all deliberate speed." On September 6, 1955, Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High became the first public schools in the Southeast region to implement this ruling peacefully.

The resolution is endorsed by several individuals and organizations including Shirley Hawkins Lawrence, a Scarboro 85 student who stated: “I endured negative glances and unfair treatment because I was determined to graduate... This resolution and actions of the Scarboro 85 were keys to unlocking doors on this nation's long road to equality.”

Rose Weaver, longtime Scarboro Historian remarked: “We really appreciate Congress recognizing these wonderful pioneers. They changed education and sports in our nation.” Coach John Spratling added: “You just can’t speak of Civil Rights in America without talking about the Scarboro 85.”

Martin McBride noted: “The Scarboro 85 students brought Black and White communities together to help America. They set a wonderful example for our nation --- and the World.”

Senator Blackburn and Representative Fleischmann were joined by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.) in introducing this resolution.