The world lost a hero and one of the catalysts of the Civil Rights movement in America. Linda Brown, 75, died Sunday afternoon in Topeka, Kansas, a funeral spokesman told CNN.
Linda was the captivating face of the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education case in 1954 that led to the desegregation of America’s schools. She valiantly contributed to the African-American rise up out of the shackles of segregation and immeasurable racism.
CNN on Twitter
Linda Brown, who as a little girl was at the center of the Brown v. Board of Education US Supreme Court case that ended segregation in schools, has died, a funeral home spokesman said https://t.co/0To0RcvQmR
Lindas father Oliver Brown was among 13 plaintiffs in that historical case, which is a watershed moment in the history of Blacks in America and their constant struggle for economic, political and social equality.
Brown, a native of Topeka, KS, was 9 years old when her father tried to enroll her in the all-white Sumner School in 1951. When the school blocked her enrollment, her father sued and became lead plaintiff in the case that changed the world.
The case was argued by the iconic Thurgood Marshall. Finally, in 1954, the Supreme Court ruled “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”
Other than the end of slavery, it is arguably the most important legal victory in American history in advancing the economic prospects of people of color.
Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer paid tribute to Linda Brown, who deserves all of ours prayers, honor and adulation in her passing. It really wasnt that long ago.
Governor Jeff Colyer on Twitter
64 years ago a young girl from Topeka brought a case that ended segregation in public schools in America. Linda Brown’s life reminds us that sometimes the most unlikely people can have an incredible impact and that by serving our community we can truly change the world. #ksleg https://t.co/NN08FbGq7s
