This drawing honors the eleven young women of the group known as The Norfolk 17.
These were Black students who, in February 1959, integrated six previously all-white public schools in Norfolk, Virginia, after months of school closures enforced under the state’s policy of “Massive Resistance.” In defiance of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, Virginia chose to deny education rather than desegregate.
The students depicted are:
Top row: Johnnie Rouse, Patricia Turner, Carol Wellington, Olivia Driver, Lolita Portis
Middle row: Delores Johnson, LaVera Forbes, Geraldine Talley
Bottom row: Betty Jean Reed, Claudia nh Wellington, Patricia Godbolt
Out of 151 Black applicants subjected to deliberately discriminatory testing and interviews, only seventeen were admitted. The majority were girls. Supported by churches and the NAACP, these young women entered schools where they faced daily threats, spitting, physical assaults, and profound isolation. Yet they persisted, understanding that their presence carried consequences far beyond their own lives.
Rather than depicting spectacle or confrontation, this work focuses on their composure, dignity, and collective strength. Their courage forced the reopening of Norfolk’s public schools and contributed to the nation’s ongoing struggle toward educational equity. These young women were not only students—they were agents of change, embodying the civic power at the heart of Feminism 250 Women Made America
Known historically as the “Apollo of the South,” the Attucks Theatre holds a monumental place in American history as the oldest remaining legitimate theatre in the country that was completely financed, designed, constructed, and operated by African Americans.]
The attacks Theater has a history Legends: During its golden era, it was the heartbeat of Church Street's entertainment district, hosting legendary performers like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong.
The Attacks closed in 1953 and spent decades serving as a commercial hub for local businesses, it underwent a multi-million dollar restoration and reopened in 2004. Today, it is owned by the City of Norfolk and operates as a vibrant, 624-seat performing arts venue hosting jazz, comedy, and theater
This drawing focuses on the renewal and rejuvenation of the Attacks theater as it continues to promote and new voices in jazz locally, regionally and nationally.
Included in my drawing are artists of national acclaim that have performed at the Attacks more recently continuing the tradition of bringing artists of national stature to the attacks.
Bottom Front row: ClaireDee, Allan Harris, Cory FontvilleTop row; Marquis Hill:, Catherine Russell, Joel Ross, on vibes,Billy Drummond on drumsMiddle Row ; Robin Eubanks trumpet, Michael Mayo ,vocals
