Students raise money to stop segregated proms in Georgia

Segregation in 2013??

Every spring, students in Wilcox County dress up and head off to separate proms, one for the white students and the other for black students. But this year, that could all change.

Georgia Teens Raise Money For Integrated Prom

Via 41NBC reports:

“It’s embarrassing to know that I’m from the county that still does this,” Keela Bloodworth said.

When Wilcox County schools integrated 30 years ago, the annual school sponsored prom ended. Parents began raising money to host separate segregated proms and it’s a tradition that continues on to this day.

“I think there’ve even been comments made you know, if you’re an African-American and you show up to the white prom, you’ll probably get asked to leave,” said Ethan Roundtree, another student helping with the efforts.

Roundtree is one of several high school seniors, working to break the racial boundaries. The students are raising money for Wilcox County High’s first integrated prom.

“In some way, it will shape the history of Wilcox County and what will happen left,” Roundtree said.

The group has spent spring break hosting several fundraisers. So far, they’ve raised more than $1,000, without the help of school officials. The newest project has gotten mixed reviews.

“When we put our flyers up, they got torn down,” Mariesha Rucker said.

Wilcox County School Superintendent Steve Smith said he is well aware of the private proms, but parents are in their rights. He did not say is the schools plan to sponsor a prom in the near future.