Monroe School Neighborhood
Many African Americans living in the Monroe School neighborhood took a deep interest in their community and the betterment of their race. They helped found the local branch of the NAACP and joined in legal battles to do away with discrimination. Other joined clubs and organizations that supported a wide range of causes, from presenting the works of Shakespeare to joining in the fight to pass anti-lynching laws. The Monroe Mother's League and school chapter of the Colored Parent Teacher Association were particularly active, keeping a watchful eye on the school and continually demanding that the School Board make improvements.
Some Notable Neighbors
Mamie Williams
1503 Quincy Street
A Topeka educator for 42 years, Mamie inspired generations of the city's children. Today, Williams Science and Fine Art[s] Magnet School, just down Monroe Street, is named in her honor.
McKinley Burnett
1527 Monroe Street and
1522 Quincy Street
An energetic community activist, McKinley served as president of the local chapter of the NAACP at the time of Brown v. Board of Education.
I say, 'thank God for the Supreme Court.'
- McKinley Burnett, 1954
Erected 2014 by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 39° 2.257′ N, 95° 40.58′ W. Marker is in Topeka, Kansas, in Shawnee County. Marker is on SE Monroe Street south of SE 15th Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1515 SE Monroe Street, Topeka KS 66612, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. How to Heat and Cool an Old School (a few steps from this marker); Monroe School (within shouting distance of this marker); A Playground and Community Center (within shouting distance of this marker); A "Separate But Equal" School? (within shouting distance of this marker); Pillars of the Community (within shouting distance of this marker); A Turning Point for Equality (within shouting distance of this marker); Standing Up for Their Rights (within shouting distance of this marker); On This Site (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Topeka.
Also see . . .
1. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site.
2. History of Brown v. Board of Education. (Submitted on March 8, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Landmark Cases: Brown v. Board of Education (1954). (Submitted on March 8, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 6, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 2, 3. submitted on March 8, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
