Central Nova News

The City of Alexandria will unveil a new historic interpretation sign on March 8, 2025, at the Minnie Howard Campus of Alexandria City High School. The sign commemorates the integration of Minnie Howard Elementary School by five young Black students from the Belk and Bradby families during segregation.

The event will take place from 11 to 11:30 a.m., organized by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Historic Alexandria in collaboration with Alexandria City Public Schools, the Belk and Bradby families, and the community.

In 1954, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown vs. Board of Education against public school segregation, the newly opened Minnie Howard School initially rejected enrollment applications from two local Black families—the Belks and the Bradbys—who then challenged this decision legally. Their actions contributed significantly to racial justice and equity efforts.

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) serves over 16,300 students from more than 118 countries speaking 127 languages across its various schools. ACPS is committed to prioritizing racial equity in its policies and practices.

The Office of Historic Alexandria manages eight museums and historic sites within the city, aiming to preserve history through storytelling while supporting equity and inclusion initiatives.

For disability accommodations or language services related to this event, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-4554 for accommodations, or email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960 for language services.