In the heart of Barrow County, the echoes of history resonate through the life experiences of Mary and Grace Lay, two sisters who have dedicated their lives to demonstrating the transformative power of education, a commitment that echoes across generations.
Education was a cornerstone of their family values and it became their compass through adversity and inequality in their early years, which quickly taught them how to navigate the unequal world with knowledge and resilience. Their stories recount challenges during desegregation, like being denied basic rights. Mary vividly remembers standing at lunch counters, waiting for the “yellow buses” that would not stop for black children and having to stand in the bus when it wasn’t full.
Mary and Grace’s lives before desegregation were in a society where racial divisions were deeply entrenched. Both sisters emphasized the lack of specific triumphs during those times, as racial segregation was deeply ingrained in Georgia’s societal fabric.
Mary and Grace remember their experiences riding the Greyhound bus, where blacks were relegated to the rear seats. If none were available in the back, they would have to stand.
Grace remembers her grandmother worked for a white family, and they had to use the back entrance of their home. Such practices were considered the norm at the time, and challenging the status quo was rare, they said.
The women also had to ride those buses back and forth from Statham to Athens every day to attend school. While there was a school nearby in Barrow it was whites only until Glenwood opened up during her high school years. The treacherous commute didn’t stop the Lay girls from getting their education. They “did what they had to do.”
The opening of Glenwood changed their lives dramatically as they no longer had to take the Greyhound bus, and that is where they finished high school.
It wasn’t until after Mary finished high school, however, that schools were desegregated.
The desegregation process affected every aspect of life, from schools and public transportation to restaurants and waiting rooms and much more. Grace touched on the integration of schools and how it opened doors for black students. However, challenges persisted, such as standing up against racial slurs.
Regarding the progress made since those years, both sisters stress the need for the younger generation to be actively engaged in their communities, understand local politics, participate in elections and strive for diverse representation. They hope to spread the message that the fight for racial equality is an ongoing journey that requires active participation and a commitment to justice.
The Lays sisters represent the indomitable spirit of black Americans in the face of adversity. From education to activism and healing, their story inspires us to honor the legacy of those who paved the way and continue striving for justice, equality and education for all.
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