Clinton High School and the Immortal Twelve | Brown Bag Lecture with Jerry Shattuck

In 1956, twelve courageous young students made history when they walked into Clinton High School, making it the first public high school in the Southeast to desegregate. The community’s initially constructive approach was marred by the violence and strife incited by outside agitators, a storm quelled only by the calling of the National Guard. Jerry Shattuck, then president of the Clinton High School student council and captain of the football team, will discuss the inspiring story of how the black and white communities and religious leaders came together to foster a successful transition, a story commemorated today at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center and Museum.

The program is sponsored by Harriet Z. Albers Memorial and is and free and open to the public. The lecture will begin at noon at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville. Guests are invited to bring a “Brown Bag” lunch and enjoy the lecture. Soft drinks will be available. For more information on the lecture, exhibitions, or museum hours, call 865-215-8824.