Norfolk 17: Patricia Turner looks back to move forward
It s been over 60 years since she and 16 others broke the color barrier in Norfolk public schools, so why does it seem like so many barriers are still up? Author: Connor Rhiel Updated: 7:38 PM EST February 17, 2021
NORFOLK, Va. Old Dominion University s Darden College of Education and Professional Studies hosted a virtual panel on the Norfolk 17 on Wednesday night, more than six decades after 17 Black students became the first to attend all-white schools in Norfolk.
Dr. Patricia Turner was one of those 17, and she was one of six panelists for the event.
When I ask her about February 2, 1959, she answered, I don t want to. it was not a time to dwell upon.