Thomas Sowell - Dunbar High School After 100 Years

Integration began in Maryland in my last year of high school. Yes, I know that few recognize Maryland as a "Southern State". Keep in mind that it was the birthplace of Harriet Tubbman who escaped from her plantation and helped found the Underground Railway that helped many other slaves escape. It failed to secede with the other Southern States only because Lincoln and the Maryland governor manipulated the legislature, keeping it out of session until Union forces could secure the state. Oh, and it is south of the Mason-Dixon Line (the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania that defines the separation of North and South in the United States). So, as I was saying, I was there when it integrated. It was a token effort at first. Only a few of the best athletes were moved from the all black high school to the all white high school in Towson. At least the basketball and baseball teams were enhanced. We've come a long way since then, or have we?