Barbara Rose Johns was only 16 years old when she led a student strike for equal education at her Virginia high school. That was back in 1951, and for decades, Johns story had been overshadowed by other civil rights icons also fighting for equal rights. But more than 74 years after Johns stood up for her education, she’s finally being honored with a statue of her own.
Suggested Reading
On Tuesday (Dec. 16), the U.S. Capitol unveiled a statue depicting a teenage Johns wielding a damaged book, according to NBC 4 Washington. The pedestal is engraved with, “Are we going to just accept these conditions, or are we going to do something about it?” A quote from the Book of Isaiah was also added which reads, “And a little child shall lead them.”
A number of local and federal leaders attended the unveiling, including Va. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Democratic Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and House Speaker Mike Johnson. “We are here to honor one of America’s true trailblazers, a woman who embodied the essence of the American spirit in her fight for liberty and justice and equal treatment under the law, the indomitable Barbara Rose Johns,” Johnson said.
The new memorial filled the void left after a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was removed during the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Speaker Johnson also said nearly 200 members of Johns’ family were present for the honor, as renditions of “How Great Thou Art,” “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round” and “Total Praise” were performed by the Eastern Senior High School choir from Washington, D.C.
Like most change makers, John didn’t set out to become a voice for young Black students, who were discriminated against during her time. But it’s Johns’ work that prompted the NAACP to take notice. Johns’ school became one of five cases reviewed by the Supreme Court in the Brown v. Board of Education case. In 1954, the high court determined that “separate but equal” public schools was in fact unconstitutional.
Johns later married the Rev. William Powell and gave birth to five children. She worked as a librarian in Philadelphia before her death in 1991 at age 56, according to the Moton Museum.
Va. Sen. Tim Kaine praised the life and legacy of Johns saying, “I’m thrilled that millions of visitors to the U.S. Capitol, including many young people, will now walk by her statue and learn about her story.” He continued, “May she continue to inspire generations to stand up for equality and justice.”
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.