Enhancing Memories At Scott Bibb By Alexandra Blockton ablockton@lc.edu
In 2017 Lewis and Clark Community College had put its historical marker in effect, honoring the labor of African-Americans, as stated in the article “Historical Marker Honoring Scott Bibb Unveiled in Alton,” by Laura Inlow on Monday, June 17th. “What should have been a resounding victory for Scott Bibb, his children, and the entire black community was instead turned into another painful chapter in the struggle for African American rights. We honor Scott Bibb and the myriad of Scott Bibbs who fought courageously for the rights guaranteed to them and their children by the U.S. Constitution and various state and federal statutes. Today, we see before us both a permanent marker and an educational institution acknowledging Scott Bibb, and attesting to his importance as a historical figure,” said SIUE System Trustee and historian Shirley Motley Portwood. It was a time when many individuals gathered together for a celebration lasting 40-minutes, including a tour
22
the plaintiff, it was in reference to the lawsuits trying to keep Alton schools desegregated. During the Fall of 1897, the Alton City officials had re-established segregated schools. Scott Bibb vs. The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Alton and the People of the State of Illinois, exrel is known as the Reconstruction Era. L&C unveiled and dedicated a historical marker honoring education champion Scott Bibb, who fought against segregated schools in Alton from 1897-1908, on June 19, 2017 in front of the Scott Bibb Center in Alton. Photo via L&C Flickr.
throughout campus, marking in Scott Bibb’s honor. The tour consisted of viewing areas where GED Completion, Family Literacy, Highway Construction and Building Futures Youthbuild took place as part of the Lewis and Clark Adult Education. In attendance, there were many faculty and staff members, as well as students. Those in attendance learned about the Alton School Case regarding desegregation. In the Alton School Case, years of 1855-1909, Scott Bibb was
Lewis and Clark Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Linda Chapman said, “The Alton School Case initiated discussions among historians, lawyers, Illinois Supreme Court justices, educators and community activists. Although many were aware of the 11-year slice of history, many more of us were not.” The case had been five times to the Illinois Supreme Court before it was appealed! By 1908, it was ruled by the courts for Bibb’s kind act which Alton did not apply to the orders of the court, while African-Americans were denied permission to white schools. Overall, Scott Bibb has been and will still continue to grow throughout the upcoming years. It is one of Lewis and Clark’s most memorable accomplishments in history!
Lewis and Clark Adult Education Series
