Prince Edward County, Virginia has a complex and significant history in relation to Black Americans. One of the most notable events in the county's history with regards to Black history is the 1951 decision by local officials to close all public schools in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

This decision, known as the "Massive Resistance" strategy, had a devastating impact on the Black community in Prince Edward County, as thousands of Black students were left without access to education for five years. Some Black students were able to attend hastily organized private schools, while others were forced to leave the county or miss out on years of schooling.

In 1959, the Supreme Court ruled in Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County that the county's actions were unconstitutional, leading to the eventual reopening of public schools. The "Prince Edward County Free Schools" movement emerged during this time, with community members and activists organizing alternative educational opportunities for Black students.

The struggle for educational equity in Prince Edward County is a powerful example of the resistance and resilience of the Black community in the face of systemic racism and discrimination. Today, efforts are ongoing to preserve the memory of this chapter in Black history and ensure that future generations understand the importance of fighting for equal access to education.