Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Righting a Wrong

Emerson Lee Clay left the Kentucky school for the Deaf more than half a century ago without getting any recognition that he had completed his courses. But this afternoon the Kentucky Board of Education gave diplomas Clay and other blacks who were enrolled at the school, but were not allowed to graduate between 1935 and 1955. John Brown of Louisville, now 76 years old, told a local paper "I really am proud to get my diploma today." Even though he had to use a walker, Brown rose and went to the stage to receive his diploma.