1969 - Elmwood/Pinewwod Fence Removed

The fence dividing Elmwood Cemetery is taken down. The fence dividing Elmwood Cemetery into separate black and white sections is taken down. The only black city council member, Fred Alexander, leads the fight to bring down the fence that separates black and white people even in death. Four times, he brought the motion to a vote and four times it was defeated, 4 to 3. Finally, when an opposing council member misses a meeting, Alexander brings it up and the vote is tied. Mayor Stan Brookshire casts the vote to pass the measure. Photo caption: Fred Alexander watches workers take down and roll up the fence.