Dozens gather in downtown Wilmington to reflect on the 70-year anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — Friday marked the 70th anniversary of a landmark case in the United States regarding education, Brown v. Board of Education.

The results of the case are still being felt till this day. New Hanover County NAACP Branch President LeRon Montgomery said its important to remember that there is still work to be done.

“Because, that was a fight that was set forth for us to all be able to be treated equally and we look at today at the present state of affairs, and we don’t want to turn back time. But, we’re hear to continue to work together and let all races, creeds, and religions come together and work together,”

Dozens attended the event to commemorate the anniversary in downtown Wilmington, with many speaking on the importance of the Supreme Court’s decision. One of the speakers was City of Wilmington Mayor Pro-Tem Clifford Barnett, who expressed the significance of being involved in schools.

“It’s important that we continue to support public education. It’s really important that we volunteer for schools, be involved, help out with the schools,” Barnett said.

One of the speakers was Tim Merrick, who is running for a New Hanover County Board of Education seat this year. His grandfather testified in the case in 1954, making it all the more important to him.

“My grandfather was willing to put his reputation on the line and get out and say ‘hey, there’s no difference between a white child and a black child’s ability to learn and what we’re doing is taking away the opportunity of an entire generation of children.”