Merriam in Johnson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Esther E. Brown
1917 - 1970
Photographed By Thomas Onions, July 5, 2009
1. Esther E. Brown Marker
Esther E. Brown organized citizen support in South Park for litigation leading to the 1949 Kansas Supreme Court order admitting black children to the South Park School and to nearby high schools. Her actions encouraged similar litigation resulting in the U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision declaring school segregation unconstitutional.
With active support from many South Park residents, she overcame resistance to her civil rights advocacy in 1948-51, at great personal sacrifice. Esther E. Brown was an active supporter of civil rights, organizing the "Panel of Americans" program and fighting for equal opportunity for all with belief in the brotherhood of mankind.
Erected by City of Merriam and Citizens of South Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 39° 2.219′ N, 94° 41.563′ W. Marker is in Merriam, Kansas, in Johnson County. Marker is on West 51st Street, 0.1 miles west of Grandview Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shawnee KS 66203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Walker School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Merriam Community Center
this page online
Regarding Esther E. Brown. Most accounts omit a middle initial. When used, "S" stands for her maiden name, Swirk. What the "E" would stand for, assumedly her middle name at birth, is not mentioned.
Also see . . .
1. Merriam Kansas Visitor's Bureau. This is the official website to the Merriam Visitor's Bureau with further links to Brown Park. (Submitted on July 7, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
2. "Esther S. Brown fought racism in Kansas City". "African American Registry" entry, gives incorrect year of death (1976 vis 1970) (Submitted on July 7, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
3. "A Pioneer in Civil Rights: Esther Brown and the South Park Desegregation Case of 1948".
Photographed By Larry Gertner
2. Esther Swirk Brown
Photographed By Thomas Onions, July 5, 2009
3. Area photo of the Esther E. Brown Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. This page has been viewed 1,491 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 7, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. 2. submitted on December 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on July 7, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
