Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Storytime Room
Did you know Iowa was the first state in the nation to legally desegregate its public schools?
It was all because of Susie Clark, a 13-year-old Black student in Muscatine, Iowa. When she was denied entry to the school closest to her home, her family sued and in June 1868 the Iowa Supreme Court ruled racial segregation violated Iowa law and the state constitution. It was the first such legal victory in America, and 86 years later when the U.S. Supreme Court decided Brown v. Board of Education, it cited this case as precedent.
Learn about Susie Clark and her fight for an equal education from a book written by Iowa author Joshalyn Hickey-Johnson, entitled "Susie Clark, The Bravest Girl You've Ever Seen." Then immerse yourself in Clark's story through food and crafts mentioned in the book - we will create a candle that will transport us back to an Iowa home in 1868 and help us remember Susie Clark's bravery whenever we use it.
If you need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this event, please contact the Library.
This event is open to the public.
