–One of the women at the forefront of the school desegregation movement in the mid-20th century will be in Algona next weekend to share some of her life stories and speak with area residents. Dr. Leona Tate grew up in New Orleans, and in 1960, was one of four girls selected to attend a formerly all-white public elementary school. Josh Manske is helping to organize the event, and he tells KLGA News how this event started to take shape.
Prior to her visit to Algona, Dr. Tate will appear with Carlotta Lanier at events in Muscatine in Des Moines next Thursday and Friday. Lanier was one of the “Little Rock 9”, who desegregated schools in Arkansas back in 1957. Manske says they will provide those in attendance with a chance to ask any questions they may have.
The event is scheduled to begin at 5 PM on Saturday, October 3rd, and Manske hopes area residents will stop by after attending the Algona Band Day parade.
Dr. Tate will be speaking at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 315 S. Moore street in Algona. The event is free and open to the public and anyone interested in attending is encouraged to sign up ahead of time at the following link https://tinyurl.com/lanier-tate-event.
