The Norfolk 17

LaVera Forbes Olivia Driver James Turner, Jr. Lolita Portis Patricia Turner Claudia Wellington Geraldine Talley Delores Johnson Johnnie Rouse Edward Jordan Alveraze Frederick Gonsouland Reginald Young Carol Wellington Betty Jean Reed Patricia Godbolt Louis Cousins Andrew Heidelberg

JAMES A. ("SKIP") TURNER JR.

Skip Turner entered Norview Jr. High School in 1959 with his sister, Patricia Turner. He was 12 years old, entering 7th grade in February 1959.

He died in November, 2003 after suffering a stroke and heart attack. While his own recollections from this time period have not been recorded, his obituary* tells us that "he didn't talk much about that turbulent time.... 'He was quiet and reserved,' said his sister Patricia."

Turner went on to get a political science degree from Howard University and did graduate work at Central Michigan University and at the University of Kansas, where he was Director of Affirmative Action. In 1991, he returned to Hampton Roads, where he lived until his death in 2003.

Skip Turner, first day of school at Norview Junior High School 2/2/1959. (Ledger Dispatch & Star photo from a news clipping in the collection of the Women's Council for Interracial Cooperation.)

* "'Norfolk 17' Member James A. Turner Integrated Schools," By Philip Walzer, The Virginian-Pilot, 14 November 2003, B9. (Factiva - Link)


Page modified: Monday, 19-Sep-2011 14:34:44 EDT