Prince Edward County, Virginia has a deep and impactful history in Black history, particularly due to its role in the Civil Rights Movement. One of the most notable events in the county's history is the Prince Edward County school closures, which occurred in 1959 as a response to the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that ruled school segregation unconstitutional.

In resistance to desegregation, Prince Edward County closed its public schools for five years, from 1959 to 1964. This period became known as the "Lost Generation," as many Black students were deprived of education during this time. The White leaders of the county created a segregated private school system, leaving Black families with few educational options.

The closure of the schools highlighted the racial tensions and inequalities that existed in the county and fueled the fight for civil rights and educational equality. The case of Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County was one of the five cases combined into Brown v. Board of Education. The actions of Prince Edward County served as a stark example of resistance to desegregation efforts in the United States.

The reopening of the schools in 1964 following court orders was a significant milestone in the Civil Rights Movement, but the effects of the school closures lingered for years, impacting the educational opportunities and outcomes for Black residents of Prince Edward County. Today, the county continues to grapple with its complex history and its legacy in the struggle for racial equality.