In 1964, a decade after the Supreme Court’s seminal decision in Brown v. Board of Education held that the “separate but equal doctrine” was unconstitutional, LaVon Wright Bracy enrolled into Gainesville High School- an all-white school- where she was unwanted and unwelcomed to finish her 12th grade. The pain of this experience changed her life, perspective and ultimately lead her to write Brave Little Cookie, a children’s book. In Brave Little Cookie, Dr. Bracy details the horrific challenges, including physical attacks, that she experienced by attending Gainesville High School in 1964 and 1965 in her quest for equal education. Despite all obstacles, Dr. Bracy succeeded and went on to become the first black student to graduate from Gainesville High School in 1965. In fact, this was the first of many racial barriers she broke as she went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree from Fisk University and then, a Master’s Degree from the University of Miami. Notably, Dr. Bracy obtained her Doctorate’s Degree in Higher Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Dr. Bracy continues her lifetime work of promoting civil rights and racial justice by encouraging a productive dialogue regarding these crucial topics.

Featured Speaker: Author and Social Justice Advocate Dr. LaVon Wright Bracy.