Historical Marker In Berwyn Recalls Segregation Here

BERWYN, PA — Tredyffrin Township was the site of a struggle against segregated schools in the 1930s, and a new marker in Berwyn commemorates it.

Chester County Commissioners said they were honored to attend the dedication of a historical marker commemorating the Berwyn School Fight, and recognizing Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church's vital role in helping to end segregation in local schools.

The Commissioners attended the unveiling of the Berwyn School Fight historical marker on Saturday In Devon. The marker reads:

"In 1932, Tredyffrin and Easttown school districts began segregating their elementary schools. Local Black families and supporters met at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church and planned to fight this discrimination. The resulting boycott deprived affected children of more than 300 school days but forced officials to rescind the segregation order. Children returned to integrated schools in 1934. The event paved the way for the 1935 Pennsylvania Equal Rights Bill.”

The case began when Tredyffrin and Easttown school board leaders planned to segregate all Black students, teachers and staff in two older schools, while the existing high school and a new elementary school would be reserved for white students.

The decision was in line with the U.S. Supreme Court 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson ruling that established "separate but equal," but that didn't stand in the way of the families of 212 Black children. They worked together to boycott the segregated schools, and Mount Zion A.M.E. Church was the site of many organizational meetings.

Earlier this year, in response to the grave injustice and racial inequality witnessed with the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many more, the Chester County Commissioners vowed to stand against all racial inequality and injustice and, where they have the authority to do so, to be advocates for change.

As a major employer, Chester County government said it is continuing conversations with its own employees to ensure the County is leading by example. This includes a current review of County policies and procedures with regard to hiring and respectful workplace training.

The commissioners held meetings with leaders in Chester County government that resulted in the Chester County District Attorney’s formation of a Chester County Law Enforcement Task Force on Race and Justice. The task force's mission is "to improve the relationship between communities of color and law enforcement and represents a cross-section of the county." Task force members include police chiefs, rank-and-file police officers, community leaders, residents of color, the NAACP, social workers and representatives from the District Attorney's office.

Through the task force, facilitated workshops are continuing over the next year in each school district to address diverse communities’ concerns through open dialogue. Post-workshop participant feedback and community events will help inform the task force as it shares the gathered information with the public in late 2021.