Dorothy Counts-Scoggins
This entry is an award-winning photo taken by Douglas Martin in 1957, showing Dorothy Counts-Scoggin being taunted by students behind her. It vividly portrays racism in a school that was once exclusively white. The passing of the Pearsall Plan ended racial segregation in schools, but it could not compel students to be accepting. Fifteen-year-old Dorothy was enrolled at Harry Harding High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, but withdrew after a few days due to severe harassment.
An official from the White Citizens Council even convinced her classmates to spit on her and throw rocks at her. The only two friends she made were also bullied, with eggs thrown at them. Dorothy transferred and completed her high school education in Philadelphia, earning her degree from Johnson C. Smith University. She mentioned that her faith in God was what kept her strong despite her struggles.