HeidelbergReporter: David Tate
Roanoke, VA - Students at William Fleming High School received a special history lesson Monday. They met with one of the students who helped integrate Norfolk Public Schools.
Andrew Heidelberg is a member of the "Norfolk 17." He was just 14 when he was selected to attend an all-white high school following a federal desegregation ruling in 1957.
Heidelberg says while there have been positive changes, the stories from the past cannot be forgotten.
"That's my message. Not to make white people feel bad but to make all of us realize that we really do have to get along and get past this thing…this black and white thing. And our best hope is through these young children," said Heidelberg.
In 1961, Heidelberg also became the first African American to play varsity football at an all white school in the south.
