About Us

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.