The bombing of Hattie Cotton Elementary School was a stark reminder of the lengths to which some individuals were willing to go to maintain racial segregation and uphold white supremacy. After the bombing, Nashville abandoned the Stair-Step Plan and moved to integrate all grade levels at the same time.
As the county and city consolidated governments into Metro Nashville, new avenues to uphold racial separation were created. The I-40 Interstate Expansion…the rise of private and suburban schools…and urban redevelopment have all contributed to present-day racial inequality in district schools.
On May 7, 2024, a dedication ceremony was held at Hattie Cotton Elementary in remembrance of the bombing. In attendance was Lajuanda Street-Harley. In 1957, she integrated Glenn Elementary School, a mile and half from Hattie Cotton.
When asked about the importance of learning these stories, she replied, quote, “we must tell our history so we are not shocked when it repeats itself. I’ve seen this before, so I know what to do now. Hatred does not simply disappear, and we have to work hard to keep moving forward.”
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To continue your journey of understanding and where Nashville public schools are now, we encourage you to listen to season two of the Peabody Award-winning podcast “The Promise” produced by Nashville Public Radio Station WPLN.