A large crowd gathered at A.K. Bissell Park on Thursday, September 3, for the groundbreaking of the Scarboro 85 Monument, honoring an important chapter in the history of Oak Ridge and public education.
On September 6, 1955, 85 Black students from Oak Ridge’s Scarboro community made history when they integrated Oak Ridge Schools, becoming part of one of the first public school systems in the country to begin the process of desegregation. More than seven decades later, the new monument will help ensure their courage, experiences and lasting impact are remembered by generations to come.
The groundbreaking also celebrated the diligence and determination of the team that worked to make the monument a reality. Their willingness to keep moving forward and to not accept “no” as the final answer reflects the importance of preserving this history and creating a permanent place where the community can learn, remember and reflect.
Oak Ridge Schools is proud to join our community in recognizing the Scarboro 85 and honoring a legacy that remains an important part of our shared history.
The full story and coverage of the groundbreaking event are available from WBIR: https://www.wbir.com/video/news/education/monument-to-honor-civil-rights-leaders-in-east-tennessee-closer-to-becoming-a-reality/51-8ce317da-1ce3-4b4b-a8ee-7177866ec409
