William Albert “W. A.” Brown

Carver High, Chesterfield County
Principal

William Albert (W. A.) Brown’s career as a teacher and administrator in Virginia’s segregated schools is representative of the successes achieved by African American teachers within the system of “separate and unequal” public education. A native of Petersburg, VA, Brown graduated from Peabody High in 1926 and received a B. S. degree from Virginia Union University in 1930. In 1947 he was awarded the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education at Virginia State College (now University). He was Principal of three African American high schools for 28 years: Russell Grove, Amelia (1936-1940), Nottoway County Training School (1940-1942) and Carver High, Chester, VA (1948-1970). Throughout his career, he fought the inequities of the segregated school system in Virginia. As principal In Nottoway County, he openly supported a suit by NAACP lawyer Oliver Hill which resulted in a court order requiring free school buses for all students, black and white. At Carver he fought for improvements to a school building which exceeded its capacity when opened. Upon the formation of the VIA in 1954 he helped establish guidelines for Science and Mathematics activities at the District and State levels. He also helped lead the transition to the full integration of Chesterfield County Public Schools in 1970. To facilitate early adjustment to the new environment, he decided that Carver would affiliate with the formally all white Virginia High School League for its final two academic years (1968-69 and 1969-70). As Carver’s only principal, his dedication to the teachers, support staff and students fostered a spirit of togetherness among all who entered the building. Under his leadership and guidance, Carver produced outstanding citizens who have made great contributions to the state and nation. In his honor, the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association annually awards the William Albert “W. A.” Brown Memorial Scholarship to a deserving Chesterfield County student.