government
The Good Side: Defying the odds in bronze
By Debra Alfarone, Timothy Knapp at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - At 16, Barbara Rose Johns led five hundred students in a walkout that helped end school segregation. Now, her story stands in bronze. It happened in Virginia, and the case was rolled into Brown vs. Board of Education.Now, her story stands in bronze. Both her story and her s...
Key takeaway It happened in Virginia, and the case was rolled into Brown vs.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The bronze statue of Barbara Rose Johns serves as a powerful symbol of the impact one person can have on the fight for equality. In Laredo , where the community has a long history of advocating for social justice, Johns' story resonates deeply. The city's own experiences with desegregation and civil rights movements can be seen as a parallel to the bravery and determination shown by Johns. As Laredo continues to grow and diversify, it is crucial to remember the sacrifices and efforts of individuals like Johns, who paved the way for future generations. The statue also highlights the importance of preserving and honoring the stories of those who have made significant contributions to the struggle for equality, ensuring that their legacies continue to inspire and motivate others to work towards a more just and equitable society. This legacy can be seen in Laredo's own community events and initiatives.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - At 16, Barbara Rose Johns led five hundred students in a walkout that helped end school segregation. Now, her story stands in bronze. It happened in Virginia, and the case was rolled into Brown vs. Board of Education.Now, her story stands in bronze. Both her story and her s...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Alfarone, Timothy Knapp at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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