2. Barbara's World

Dilapidated School Buses

Bus drops off students at the “tar paper shacks” at Robert Russa Moton High School

Farmville, Virginia

Photograph published in The Farmville Herald of the bus accident

Photograph published in The Farmville Herald of the bus accident

Tragedy at Elam Crossing

On March 13, 1951, a catastrophic accident occurred when a dilapidated school bus, no longer used for White students, stalled on railroad tracks at Elam Crossing near Farmville. In thick fog and heavy rain, the driver did not see an approaching train, which struck the rear of the bus. Five of the 23 passengers were killed and 10 were hospitalized. One of the victims was Hettie Dungee, Barbara’s best friend.

Headshot of Barbara Johns
"

My best friend was killed in a tragic bus crash that killed 5 members of her family. I was deeply affected by her death. She was such a beautiful 'inside and out' person."

Barbara Johns

Student protest organizer

Barbara’s Decision

The constant refusal of the school board to provide new buses desperately needed for children of the Black community led to the death of the five students at Elam Crossing. This tragedy deeply affected Barbara just before the student strike.