By Leah Andrews-Willis
The Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund Blog features the unique voices and perspectives of people who make up the diverse fabric of Colorado’s Black communities. It’s a platform to share how people in the Black community give back, discuss historical and current challenges, and illustrate Black resilience. This month, Leah Andrews-Willis, teacher and education advocate, reflects on the impact of Brown v. Board of Education, her father’s role and legacy, and the state of education today.
Seventy years ago, the landmark ruling of the Supreme Court in the Brown v. Board of Education case determined state laws that established separate public schools for Black and white students were unconstitutional. It marked the end of racial segregation in public schools, forcing the desegregation of educational institutions across the United States. Furthermore, the decision established a legal precedent that the "separate but equal" doctrine was essentially unequal, challenging the legality of segregation beyond just education. It laid the groundwork for future court cases and legislation that would continue to dismantle systemic racism and discrimination practices.
Even though I wasn’t born then, the Brown v. Board of Education profoundly impacted the country, generations to come, and my family’s legacy. My father, Irving P. Andrews, a Black civil rights attorney with the NAACP who was born and raised in Colorado, served on the legal team that brought this historic case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Like many Blacks during that time, he faced discrimination reinforced by society and the systems created to keep us down. However, he was a young attorney who would not settle for being seen or treated as a second-class citizen. It was this belief, he said, that drove him to be part of something bigger than himself and advocate for the social justice our country needed. So, not only was my father fighting to be treated as a first-class citizen, he was fighting for everyone to be able to attain a first-class education. He understood the power of education as a tool of liberation and believed it was a right that should be afforded to everyone regardless of race. It was what he fought for and worked to achieve.
Being raised 30 years after the Brown v. Board of Education court decision, my experience was vastly different from those who were the first Black students to walk through the doors of desegregated public schools. I didn’t face the hate and disdain their monumental steps led them towards from those who didn’t want to embrace change. But instead, those bold steps created the footprints for me to follow and open the doors to education. Growing up, I always knew my father was part of something important, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I fully understood his contribution to the education system.
The importance of education was stressed throughout my childhood and was an engrained value instilled in me and my siblings early on. Between the lessons I learned from my father and my aunt, Tamara Rhone, I gained a passion for civil rights and education. I realized that education is the greatest builder of personal resilience and the best tool against oppression. More importantly, that our voices and actions have power. As a result, it is the responsibility of all of us to be active and civically engaged in the fight for social justice. My father served as a constant reminder that anyone from anywhere, even Colorado, can make an impact.
It led me to become a teacher, educator, and advocate in the city where I grew up. Today, I’m honored to be part of this continuing legacy in my community – fighting for the educational rights of students and pushing to make the needed systemic changes in our schools. In addition, ensuring the younger generation learns about Brown v. Board of Education and understands its impact. The ruling served as a defining moment in American history and became a driving force in progressing the efforts of the Civil Right Movement in challenging racial discrimination and segregation in public transportation, housing, employment, and voting rights. Ultimately, being followed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As Black history is actively being diminished and erased, this knowledge is crucial because, moving forward, the next generation plays a vital role in maintaining the law's relevance and carrying on their legacy.
The intent of Brown v. Board of Education sought to desegregate schools and ensure equal access to educational opportunities. Yet, equitable funding and allocation of school resources remain a focal point and battle we continue to fight today. So, while we are in the door, education and the opportunities that come from it may look different based on a school zip code. Race and opportunity also remains a current debate and discussions in higher education related to affirmative action, DEI and educational policies.
This year as we recognize the 70th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, I can’t help but think about my father. He would be both proud of the progress and frustrated with the ongoing policies and laws that continue to create limitations, especially for people of color to receive an equal education. What we know is that winning the battle doesn’t mean the fight ends.
Our ancestors were vital for laying the foundational bricks to build greater opportunities by speaking out, standing up and coming together to collectively fight for what’s right. We stand on their shoulders, and we have a responsibility to continue to lay bricks to reinforce the stability to maintain our rights. Brown vs. Board of Education stood as a symbol of inclusion, integration, equality and freedom. We are where we are today because of it. Lest we not forget, and be HIStorians and HERstorians of the past to drive us to continue to build on this legacy, and take our communities to the next level. It is a collective effort and a heavy load, but it is a load that we can and will carry.
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