Today the Farm Team, an organization dedicated to recruiting, developing, and electing women in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is hosting a reception featuring the unveiling of a portrait of Barbara Johns. The landmark piece was completed by Robert Shetterly of “Americans Who Tell the Truth.”
Even though there is a tribute honoring her, I’m convinced that people do not know the entire story about Barbara Johns. She took courageous action at Moton High School in Prince Edward County, Virginia to protest segregation in Virginia’s schools. But, she did so much more when she articulated her passionate plea to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and mobilized a student walkout at her school in April 1951.
Her action led to a lawsuit that was eventually incorporated with three other cases into the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision that went before the Supreme Court.
For me, her legacy and example of courage are simple: a leader is not defined by his or her actions alone. There must be some motivating factors and self-initiative. It’s imperative that we learn from these young heroes who sacrificed and faced adversity and, in turn, inspired future generations.
To me, this pivotal turn of events in the civil rights movement represented the willingness to step into the fray despite the apparent or possible consequences. Also, Johns reminds me that there must be a process for moving forward despite ambiguity. This is an essential component for any leader to be successful.
Finally, Johns was able to mobilize others because she effectively articulated her concerns. What she shared was not a haphazard approach to concerns of misgivings. She clearly stated the issues, concerns, and trepidation of glaring inequity.
The legacy of Barbara Johns serves to remind us of the debt we all owe to the sacrifice and courage of a few. This historic tribute and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Farmville students in April 2011 at the Robert Russa Moton Museum will ensure that thousands will celebrate the true spirit of leadership.
The Farm Team event is co-sponsored by the former Virginia secretary of administration Viola Baskerville and former Virginia delegate Shannon Valentine. Check out more about the artist Robert Shetterly and “Americans Who Tell the Truth” at http://www.americanswhotellthetruth.org/.
-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
To learn more visit http://www.motonmuseum.org.