Cynthia Druitt advocates for name change of Williamsburg school honoring slave owner

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Williamsburg-James City County School Board meeting, the air was thick with anticipation. Community members gathered, their voices echoing the sentiments of a changing society. Among them was Cynthia Druitt, who stood before the board, her purpose clear and urgent: to advocate for a name change for James Blair Middle School.

Druitt's impassioned speech highlighted the historical context of the school's name, tracing its roots back to 1954, a time when the school population was entirely white and segregation was the norm. She referenced the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared that racial segregation in public schools violated the Fourteenth Amendment. This ruling marked a pivotal moment in American history, yet Druitt pointed out that the legacy of segregation still lingers in the name of the school.

"Are we going to tell them that racism is okay to honor?" she asked, her voice resonating with conviction. Druitt emphasized the importance of confronting the past and making a conscious choice to foster unity and equality for future generations. She argued that retaining the name of a slave owner sends a troubling message to students about the values the community upholds.

The meeting concluded with a sense of reflection, as board members and attendees considered the implications of Druitt's words. The discussion surrounding the name change is not merely about a title; it is a call to action for a community striving to move beyond its historical injustices. As the evening drew to a close, the question lingered: what steps will the school board take to ensure that the legacy of segregation is truly put to rest?