How did you first learn about the story of Carrie Williams?
Douglas Road/Front Street (County Route 27) half a mile south of Appalachian Highway (West Virginia Route 32)
Photographer: Tom Sudbrink
I first learned about Carrie Williams a few years ago when I saw the Coketon Colored School historical marker in Thomas, West Virginia. The American history and US Government teacher in me cannot pass by any historical marker. As I stood there reading about Carrie Williams, I was astounded that I had not encountered this truly remarkable case in my years of teaching history and delving into primary sources. That day began a journey of exploration of Carrie’s story, a story that speaks so much about our history and our national identity. Like Carrie’s era, our world is beset with strife and division. Just as her efforts significantly impacted the lives of African American children throughout the state of West Virginia for generations, her victory also demonstrates the possibilities that fairness and justice hold in the American system and the power that an individual possesses to act for the societal good. Especially now, I believe that Carrie’s story is a penetrating mirror into our ongoing exploration of the meaning of the Great American Experiment as we continue to delineate our values in a rapidly changing world.
What is the most important learning experience of this book?
Photographer: Tom Sudbrink
What was so striking to me as I explored Carrie’s narrative was the way in which people came together to achieve a truly impactful victory for generations of African American students in West Virginia. At the center of this drama is Carrie Williams who bravely confronted the most powerful political and economic entity in her world: the Davis Coal and Coke Company that controlled nearly all aspects of life in her company owned town. Then there is Carrie’s lawyer, J. R. Clifford, a truly remarkable civil rights advocate, someone all Americans should know. Far ahead of his time, Clifford’s perceptive understanding of the true intention of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment would not be realized until the United States Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in the 1954 Brown vs.the Board of Education case. Now add Judge Hoke to the trial scene. His crucial role in securing the passage of the 15th Amendment and the creation of Storer College stands as a testament to his dedication to equal justice. And most importantly, Carrie’s victory is a tribute to the jury of ordinary American citizens who made a resounding statement from atop the Allegheny Mountains affirming the rights of their African American fellow citizens. All of these people coalesced to confirm America’s fundamental principle: the rule of law. Carrie’s story is a true American heroic narrative that celebrates this core value and our ongoing exploration of our national identity with all its strengths and weaknesses.
