Virginia's Reaction
The Brown v. Board of Education decision sent shockwaves throughout the whole United States with mixed reactions from state lawmakers. Virginia was no different, as its Black population celebrated the court decision, as it marked a major victory for Black civil rights. The White population of Virginia was not in favor of the decision and reacted to it in fear of their children interacting with Black children. Moreover, the decision brought back sentiments of distrust in the federal government in White Virginians, as it completely changed the state’s way of life which was intrinsically tied to segregation. This distrust extended to Virginia’s General Assembly, though, their reactions were initially tempered compared to the expected heated response. Virginian leadership took steps to manage the new court decision and trusted that Virginia would weather the storm of monumental changes in southern society. However, leadership and opinions changed, as U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd completely altered Virginia’s ways of practicing government in a post-segregation America.