Barbara Rose Johns, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, now has her statue prominently displayed at the U.S. Capitol. This statue replaces a Confederate general’s statue and pays homage to her courageous act in 1951.
Unveiling of Barbara Rose Johns Statue at the U.S. Capitol
On April 23, 2023, the statue of Barbara Rose Johns was unveiled in Emancipation Hall as part of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The bronze statue depicts Johns at age 16, raising a book while standing at a podium, symbolizing her activist spirit. A significant inscription on the pedestal reads: “Are we going to just accept these conditions, or are we going to do something about it?”
Historical Background
- Year of Activism: 1951
- Location: Farmville, Virginia
- School: Robert Russa Moton High School
At just 16 years old, Barbara mobilized her peers to protest against the overcrowded and underfunded conditions of their segregated school. She organized a walkout that involved approximately 450 students, seeking better educational facilities comparable to those available to white students in their town.
Impact and Legacy
Johns’ efforts garnered the attention of the NAACP, leading to a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of segregated education, part of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case decided in 1954. While the initial court ruling favored the county, it mandated that Black schools achieve equity with white schools, which laid the groundwork for further legal challenges to segregation.
Johns herself faced repercussions for her activism, having to relocate to Alabama to continue her education safely. Despite these challenges, she later graduated from both Spelman College and Drexel University before serving as a librarian.
Recognition and Honoring Barbara Johns
The journey to erect her statue in the Capitol began in 2020, marking a significant shift in recognizing Virginia’s historical figures amidst a national movement to address systemic racism. Governor Ralph Northam requested the removal of the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, enabling the selection of Johns as the new representative of Virginia in the Capitol.
- Year Johns Died: 1991
- Virginia’s Johns Day: April 23
Over the years, Barbara Johns has been celebrated in Virginia’s educational curricula and has received various honors, culminating in this national tribute. Her sister expressed that this recognition reflects Virginia’s efforts to correct its historical inequities.
Community and Government Support
The statue’s unveiling was attended by significant figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Senator Tim Kaine praised Johns’ bravery and emphasized the importance of her story in inspiring future generations to advocate for justice and equality.
As visitors to the U.S. Capitol pass by the statue of Barbara Rose Johns, they are reminded of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the impact one individual can have in fighting for justice.
