The 1950s was a time in history when racial segregation was at the height of a very controversial period. The fight to end segregation in schools across America was finally answered by the Supreme Court. Brown V. Board of Education was passed in 1954, sparking change across the northern states. While this new law was meant for all of the United States, the southern states ignored it. Many southern states did not even enforce the new law until months, or even years later. Metro-Nashville schools are a prime example of that. 

The government decided to enforce the law three years later, in September 1957. Nineteen black first graders broke the barrier and enrolled in eight different public schools across Nashville.  Nashville's new integration plan had a new grade integrated every year. Many different protests and campaigns broke out in town on the first day of school leading up to it. Many people said that the plan was too slow and did not have enough change, while others said that integration should not be allowed.  The protests were led by church leaders and a heavily involved Ku Klux Klan member, Frederick John Kasper.  A few other groups that participated against desegregation were the Citizens Council and the Tennessee Federation for Constitutional Government. 

 People in these types of groups have been known to go to African-American-led meetings and protest or disrupt their meetings with threats on their lives. One specific meeting held by African Americans to discuss integration was interrupted by Kasper and his followers. The whole plan of Nashville Integration still stayed the plan despite the pushback from these groups. On the other hand, there were groups there that fought for integration. A group called CORE, based out of Chicago helped out in Nashville during the integration of the elementary schools with support and inspiration. CORE is a non-violent group of African-Americans that focuses on ending racial segregation. This group played a huge part in the integration of Metro-Nashville schools. They were there to walk the students to class on the first day of school for extra support and protection. 

The first day of school was dangerous and protesters were lined up at the entrances of the schools and in neighborhoods. They went out of their way to reassure the families of their decision of sending their kids to integrated schools. They helped these families look past the many death threats they received.  Once the cops started to enforce the law by stopping the protests and threats, Nashville integration went a lot smoother. They started to arrest protesters for loitering, disorderly conduct, and many more.  Nashville integration was not easy in any way, but the Mayor and schools stuck with the plan, no matter the citizen's disapproval. This was a huge step for Nashville in the civil rights era. 

Research Question: How did the integration plan for Nashville schools in 1957 affect the citizens of Nashville and the different groups for and against desegregation?

Thesis: Looking at the integration of schools in Nashville in 1957 from newspapers, books, and magazines; the integration plan caused both good and bad racial groups to take the stage, violent protests, and John Kasper causing trouble.