Historic Preservation

The Courageous Four were a group of Prince William County teachers who became the first African American educators to teach in the County's all-White schools. In 1964, these trailblazers paved the way for the integration of schools in Prince William County when they were selected by Superintendent Stewart Beville for placement in four local White schools. The actions of the Courageous Four mark an important chapter in the history of the struggle for equality in education after the Civil War.

The below images were contributed by family members of the teachers to accompany The Courageous Four traveling exhibit. Special thanks to Gwen Washington, Kim Lennon, and Zella Brown for submitting these photographs.

7th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium: The Courageous Four

View the recorded presentations seen at the 7th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium held at the Old Manassas Courthouse on Saturday, March 26, 2022. For this panel discussion titled, The "Courageous Four": Integration of Prince William County Schools, we are joined by Zella Brown and Benita Fitzgerald Mosley.

The Courageous Four in Prince William County

Join Preservationist, Bill Backus, and Commissioner, Yolanda Green, to learn about the Courageous Four: four African American teachers who were selected to pioneer desegregation in Prince William County.