NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The group of civil rights trailblazers who, as young children, integrated the schools of Memphis 60 years ago were honored with a resolution Thursday on the floor of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
In 1961, 13 African-American first-graders, known as the Memphis 13, integrated 4 Memphis elementary schools.
State Rep. G. A. Hardaway of Memphis, the sponsor of House Joint Resolution 9001 which honored the 13 students, said recognizing these brave individuals is long overdue.
"After 6 decades, the state legislature is now honoring the Memphis 13 for the challenges they willingly accepted and conquered as young children to advance the cause of civil rights in Tennessee education," Hardaway said. "Now we can finally say 'thank you' Memphis 13 for your lifetime of individual and collective sacrifices that have truly made us better together in Tennessee."
The morning session was live streamed on the Tennessee General Assembly website.
Several members of the Memphis 13 were expected to attend the session in-person.