Barbara Rose Johns Honored with Statue at U.S. Capitol

In a historic moment for the civil rights movement, a statue of Barbara Rose Johns was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, marking a significant tribute to her courageous stand against school segregation in 1951. At just 16 years old, Johns led a walkout at her segregated Virginia high school, a pivotal action that contributed to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

Why It Matters

The installation of Johns’ statue in Emancipation Hall symbolizes a broader acknowledgment of the struggles against racial inequity in America. This move not only replaces the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee but also highlights the ongoing efforts to honor figures in history who fought for justice and equality.

Key Developments

• The statue is part of Virginia’s two-statue representation in the Capitol, replacing Lee’s statue, which was removed amid a nationwide reexamination of Confederate symbols in 2020.
• Johns was chosen for this honor from a list of 100 names, highlighting her significant contributions to the civil rights movement and education.
• The artwork, created by artist Steven Weitzman, depicts Johns mid-speech, raising a book in a rallying gesture, embodying her call to action.
• The pedestal of the statue features her inspiring words: "Are we going to just accept these conditions, or are we going to do something about it?"

Full Report

Barbara Johns’ Legacy

Born in New York City in March 1935, Barbara Rose Johns moved to Virginia during her childhood. Frustration with the deplorable conditions at her segregated school catalyzed her to organize a student strike, drawing attention to the disparities in educational resources. On April 23, 1951, she successfully rallied 450 fellow students to protest, which ultimately led to significant legal challenges against the segregation of schools in Virginia.

The NAACP took up the cause, and while the initial court ruling favored the county, it did mandate some improvements. The case, along with others, eventually culminated in the Supreme Court’s ruling in 1954, which declared segregation unconstitutional in public schools.

Recognition and Tribute

Johns continued her education despite the fallout from her activism, attending Spelman College and later Drexel University. She worked as a librarian and raised five children after marrying the Rev. William Powell. Over the years, her contributions have been increasingly recognized in Virginia, including a statewide "Barbara Johns Day" on April 23.

This recent unveiling in the U.S. Capitol aligns with Virginia’s efforts to rectify historical narratives and honor figures who fought for social justice. According to Johns’ sister, Joan Johns Cobbs, this acknowledgment indicates a move to correct past inequities.

Ceremony Attendance

The unveiling ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who have varying stances on issues of race and equality. Senator Tim Kaine expressed his support for the statue, emphasizing Johns’ inspirational legacy and its potential impact on future generations.

Context & Previous Events

For over a century, Virginia’s representation in the U.S. Capitol featured George Washington and, until recently, Robert E. Lee. In December 2020, as part of a broader national reassessment of Confederate symbols, Lee’s statue was removed. Virginia’s decision to honor Johns with this new statue was made unanimously in the same month by the state’s Commission on Historical Statues in the U.S. Capitol, following extensive discussions and a multi-step approval process that began five years prior.