The Crisis at Mansfield

An organization known as the Webb Community Club was established by the Mansfield Citizens Council. This organization was established to keep segreation, and organize the people in the community that wanted segregation as well. Thomas B. West was placed as the temporary Chairmen of the organization. He urged everyone that wanted segregation to attend the meeting. Approximately 125 people both men and women of Mansfield attended. Albert North the club president spoke about the possible integration in light of the recent Supreme Court decision. Both African Americans and white citizens knew the integration of the schools would not resolve the racial issues.

On October 27, 1955 an article titled "125 Men And Women Here Voice Unanimous Sentiments" came out. 125 citizens of Mansfield School District voted unanimously at the Memorial Hall to oppose integration. The people of Mansfield gathered to oppose integration and gave their own opinions of why they should not integrate. There are opinions in the article from both sides, those who opposed and from those who were for integration.

On November 10,1955 an Editorial called "Keep It Above Reproach" came out giving an overview of what was going on in Mansfield. This editorial reflected the tension and overall problems in not just Mansfield, but also in society at the time. This article foreshadows what is to come in Mansfield and how it should be handled.

On November 10, 1955 an article in the Mansfield News came out titled "Segregation Appeal Not Filed Thursday." In the article the court order came from Joe E. Estes, denying three African Americans in to Mansfield High school. Around fifty men, women, and high school students from Mansfield gathered to hear the suit filed on the grounds that African Americans had to travel unfair distances to get to school.