Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

1950 Walker-Grant Protest

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Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 2, 2024

1. 1950 Walker-Grant Protest Marker

Inscription. When Black seniors from Walker Grant High School sought to have their commencement exercises at the Fredericksburg Community Center, which is now the Dorothy Hart Community Center, their request was denied. Two weeks later, upon further review by city officials, a compromise was reached wherein the Black graduates would be allowed to receive their diplomas from the side entrance. This option proved to be unacceptable to those 27 students. On June 6, 1950, they decided to march in protest from the community center to this church, Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site). Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. B.H. Hester and the congregation, the students received their diplomas with the dignity they deserved.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1950.

Location. 38° 18.142′ N, 77° 27.446′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is on Sophia Street just north of Hanover Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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801 Sophia St, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) (within shouting distance of this marker); c. 1785 (within shouting distance of this marker); The African Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (within shouting distance of this marker); 1892 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1831 (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named 1831 (about

Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 2, 2024

2. Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site)

400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); African Baptist Church of Fredericksburg (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.