OLATHE, KANSAS – MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) invites the public to an engaging event exploring the history of the Madam C.J. Walker School, a significant yet often overlooked piece of the civil rights movement in education. This event, funded by a Humanities Kansas grant, will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Merriam Plaza Library, Webb Family Meeting Room.
The Walker School played a significant role in the 1949 Webb v. School District No. 90 case, a legal battle that helped pave the way for Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and the eventual desegregation of American public schools.
The event will feature:
- A panel discussion about the rich history of the Walker School and its pivotal role in Kansas and national civil rights.
- Powerful oral history clips of interviews from Delores Graves (Walker Walkout participant) and Mary Webb (family of landmark court case challenging school segregation).
- Poster exhibits and video interviews, offering deeper insights into how this case shaped education and civil rights.
“This is more than a history lesson—it’s a chance to witness how courage, community, and the fight for justice shaped generations,” said Dr. Darin Tuck, associate professor of history at MNU. “It’s an opportunity to connect personal memory with public history—and to honor the legacy of those who stood up for change in Merriam and beyond.”
The work being done by MNU students will contribute to a historical exhibition at the site of the former Walker School, now the location of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Merriam.
This research is made possible by Humanities Kansas, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Kansas history through grants, partnerships, and community events.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.mnu.edu/events/madam-c-j-walker-school-event or contact Dr. Darin Tuck at datuck@mnu.edu.
About MidAmerica Nazarene University
MidAmerica Nazarene University, located in Olathe, Kansas, is a private Christian university committed to academic excellence, student development, and service. MNU partners with organizations like Humanities Kansas to foster community engagement, historical awareness, and appreciation for literature and cultures.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas. Since 1972, HK’s programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and invite new insights. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK encourages Kansans to draw on diverse histories, literatures, and cultures to create connections with one another and strengthen Kansas communities and our democracy. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
