Remembering Segregated Schools In Tredyffrin And Easttown Townships

TREDYFFRIN/EASTTOWN, PA —It’s difficult today to comprehend that segregation was happening in the former Tredyffrin and Easttown school districts less than a century ago.

But it was, and today’s Tredyffrin/Easttown school board does not want the community to forget it.

The board this week passed a resolution acknowledging the harm and pain segregation caused the African American families in the district, noting the families fought the decision, leading to the integration of the schools.

The board is honoring the last surviving student of the fight, known as the "Berwyn School Fight,” Esther Long, who is now 98, for her courage and sacrifice in the cause of ensuring all children have access to high-quality public education.

The event marks the 80th anniversary of Long's graduation from the former Tredyffrin/Easttown High School.

Michelle Burger, a board member, thanked the board for supporting this event and drafting a resolution in support of the event.

“It is my honor to interact with Mrs. Long,” Burger said. “It is clear that her family did suffer greatly. She is spry. She is looking forward to seeing the community she grew up in and continues to support.”

“Program of Acknowledgement”

The school board is hosting a “Program of Acknowledgement” in honor of Esther Long, the last surviving student of the “Berwyn School Fight” against segregation.

The program is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at Conestoga High School, 200 Irish Road in Berwyn. The public is invited. Refreshments will be provided.

Speakers include local historian Penny Washington; Jaela Ann Eaton, a Conestoga High School student; Dr. Roberta Hotinski, board president: Dr. Yolanda Allen and Michele Burger, board members; Dr. Richard Gusick, superintendent;

Also, the Rev. Scott Dorsey, former school board member, and State Rep. Melissa Shusterman.

History of Berwyn School Fight

In March 1932, the elementary schools in the Tredyffrin and Easttown school districts, which were separate districts at the time, became segregated.

At the time, the school boards believed that the community would benefit by having separate schools for Black students and teachers.

Esther Long, who is now 98, said in a video produced by Conestoga High School students, that the former Tredyffrin school board president did not want his children to go to school with Black children.

Subsequently, two schools elementary schools were designated only for Black students.

The National Association Of Advancement of Colored People began holding meetings at a local church to stop segregation.

More than 200 students protested. Some parents were sent to jail for truancy. Some families left the district.

On April 30, 1934, the schools were reintegrated.

Twenty years later, the U.S. Supreme Court abolished school segregation in the landmark case, Brown v. Board of Education.