Hoxie the First Stand Inc.
Hoxie the First Stand Inc.
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About Us

Ethel Tompkins (center), the first African American graduate of Hoxie High School, shows State Rep.

We are passionate about telling the story of Hoxie school integration because many of us, black and white, were there as students. We know firsthand how teachers, administrators, board members, and parents dedicated themselves to our education even in the midst of angry protests. We want the human details of this story told while we are still here to tell them.  Some of us can testify as to just how substandard the Hoxie "colored" school was. No indoor plumbing. A bucket to fill with water from a neighbor's pump. A smelly outhouse. Torn, hand-me-down books. An empty playground that was alternately dusty or muddy. The court record makes clear that the 1955 school board was determined that African American students would not return to this school. The story that "separate was not equal" will be among those told at the museum.  In many ways, Hoxie is still a small farming community. In 1955, children, black and white, might play together. Everyone was expected to help pick cotton during the split term break. Desegregation on campus was not perfect. Some black students did not feel welcome. And other districts did not allow them to compete in interscholastic activities such as sports and choir. Our museum will attempt to include all of these viewpoints.   In addition to our memories, we have been gathering oral histories, photographs, newspaper clippings, and court documents. Now, we need money to help our museum become a reality. We want to create a place where we can share our unique story with visitors to Hoxie and especially with students.  

Our Leadership

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ethel Tompkins, President

Frances Green, Vice President

Lida Tinker, Secretary

James Whitlow, Treasurer

Angie Abbott

Andrea Allen

Jim Barksdale

Fran Cavenaugh

Darrell Pickney

Katie Smith

Marlyn Tate


ADVISORY BOARD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Matt & Chrissy Allen

David Appleby

Swannee Bennett

Dennis Coggins

Terrell Downing

Michael Doyle

Kelly Gillham

Amber Grady

Gwen Green

Dr. Rodney Harris

Dr. Linda Heard

Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch

Larry & Mary King

Lisa Melton

Jeff Morris

Dina Rose

Will Rockefeller

Dr. Edward Salo

DuShun Scarbrough

Kitty Sloan

Milton Smith

John Thomison

Dr. Lauri Umansky

Gene Vance

Gary Weeks

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