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Image for event: Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

The Struggle and Beyond
2026-05-22 09:00:00 2026-05-22 10:00:00 America/New_York Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools. Local History/Special Collections -

Friday, May 22
9:00am - 10:00am

Add to Calendar 2026-05-22 09:00:00 2026-05-22 10:00:00 America/New_York Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools. Local History/Special Collections -

The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.

This exhibit, featuring the works of Richmond, Virginia artist Ed Shelton Jr., presents a series of powerful paintings and archival materials that commemorate the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (May 17, 1954) and honor both the known and unknown individuals and their connection to the outcome of this landmark decision, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The exhibit demonstrates that desegregation was driven by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Figures such as Dred Scott, Benjamin Butler, Homer Plessy, Oliver Otis Howard, Anna Hedgeman, and Constance Baker Motley along with others represent the communities, grassroots organizers, and civil rights organizations whose collective efforts worked to turn the promise of Brown into reality.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka changed the law, but not overnight. Through these paintings, visitors are invited to reflect on the Brown's decision and it's impact on the ongoing journey toward freedom, equality, and the enduring legacy of those who stood for change.

AGE GROUP: | All Ages |

EVENT TYPE: | Local History |

TAGS: | Local History | history | exhibit | Exhibit | education | art |

Local History/Special Collections
pwalker@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1706
Fax: 703.746.1708
Branch manager
Patricia Walker
Hours
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Mon, Apr 27 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Apr 28 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 29 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 30 Closed
Fri, May 01 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 02 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 03 Closed
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About the branch

Appointments encouraged but not required.

Parking: No library parking lot.  Street parking is available.  A paid parking lot is available on the 100 block of North Alfred Street.

Public Transit:

  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1 mile) and King Street Stations (1.1 miles). 
  • Metrobus: A11, A12, F19
  • DASH Bus: 30, 31, Old Town Circulator
  • King Street Trolley:  King & Columbus

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jgregorio@alexlibraryva.org or call 703.746.1701 or TTY 703.746.1790.

Upcoming Events

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A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, May 02, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Sat, May 02, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Sun, May 03, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Mon, May 04, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Mon, May 04, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, May 05, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Tue, May 05, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, May 06, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Wed, May 06, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Thu, May 07, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, May 08, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Fri, May 08, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, May 09, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Sat, May 09, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Sun, May 10, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Mon, May 11, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Mon, May 11, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, May 12, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Tue, May 12, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, May 13, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Wed, May 13, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Thu, May 14, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, May 15, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Fri, May 15, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, May 16, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Sat, May 16, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Sun, May 17, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Mon, May 18, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Mon, May 18, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, May 19, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Tue, May 19, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, May 20, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Wed, May 20, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Thu, May 21, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, May 22, All day
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka - The Struggle and Beyond
Fri, May 22, 9:00am - 10:00am
The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
See all events