Special Middle School Assembly with Mr. Andrew Heidleberg of “Norfolk 17″ – Feb 24, 8 am
We are pleased to announce that, as one of the concluding events Of Saint Patrick Catholic School’s celebration of African American History Month, Mr. Andrew Heidleberg will address the Middle School Assembly on Tuesday 2/24 at 8am. Following the assembly Mr. Heidleberg will visit some classrooms for further discussion and a Q and A with students.
Mr. Heidleberg is one of the “Norfolk 17″ responsible for integrating Norfolk Public Schools fifty years ago this month thus ending the Commonwealth of Virginia’s “Massive Resistance” to school integration. That policy had closed schools in Norfolk from September 1958 until the Federal Court ordered them opened in February of 1959. Mr. Heidleberg has written a book about his experiences at Norview High School from 1959 until his graduation in 1962 entitled The Norfolk 17. The book is central to the presentation he will make to our Middle School students.
We feel particularly fortunate to offer our students this valuable learning experience as the City of Norfolk has sponsored many events this month marking the end of Massive Resistance. Parents are invited to attend the assembly that morning for what promises to be a most moving and memorable experience for our school.
