LYNN — The Educational Center at Briarcliff was named in honor of civil rights activist Virgina M. Barton on Thursday.
The building at 112 Kernwood Dr. was converted into a customized space in 2024 for the Lynn Public School’s special education TEAMS program that offers support and services for students with disabilities.
Barton was known for her dedication to fighting racism and her decades of service to the community. She served as the president of the North Shore Branch of the NAACP, co-chair of Citizens Against Racism, and a board member of the Greater Lynn Racial Harmony Committee. Before her death in 2010 at the age of 82, Barton worked for the Lynn Economic Opportunity and Lynn Public Schools.
At the gathering on Thursday, Minister Brenda Womack told the crowd why it was fitting to name the educational center after Barton.
“It is an honor and a privilege to witness the City of Lynn do something to honor the legacy of someone who poured their life into setting the stage for those who are coming up after her. (Barton) saw the best in everyone,” Womack said.
LPS Superintendent Molly Cohen emphasized Barton’s commitment to achieving equity in education.
“We are deeply thankful for the example Virginia Barton set as a mother, and educator, and a fierce advocate for civil rights. (Barton) led with actions more than with words, and our city was made infinitely better for her presence and her work,” Cohen said.
She added, “We’re all so thrilled to join here together on this day in memory of Virginia Barton who stood for family, community, advocacy, inclusion, and belonging. We thank (Barton’s family) for sharing this gem of a woman with us and allowing us to place her name on the gem of a school.”
Barton’s great-niece Rachael Bradley Randall highlighted the impact her aunt’s legacy in the city.
“My aunt taught us that the only reason you should ever look down on someone is to give them a hand. Through every obstacle of hers and those of the people she fought for, she persevered. And she did it all with grace. She cared deeply about issues that affected all people, and believed in bringing people together,” she said.
Randall added, “She believed in building pride, confidence, and hope in young people. That is why the honor of the school bearing her name is so meaningful. Her life’s work was rooted in protecting and uplifting children, and making sure every one of them had the chance to succeed. She understood better than anyone what school represents. Opportunity, equity, and community.”
Mayor Jared Nicholson provided historical context on the origin of the educational center’s recognition. In July 1968, segregationist George Wallace held a campaign rally at the building, which drew in more than 1,500 supporters. Barton and other members of the local NAACP Branch and Citizens Against Racism organized a protest outside the building and were outnumbered five to one.
“The flip side of that ugliness (of racism) is the bravery exhibited by Mrs. Barton and her other protesters,” Nicholson said. “To stand up to the rocks, to the racism, to the notoriously violent rhetoric of Wallace and his supporters for what was right and what we still know to be right. That separate is unequal, and that discrimination is wrong.”
Nicholson added, “When we see this building, I hope we think about her commitment to education evidenced by (Barton’s) long LPS career. (I also hope we) ask ourselves what debates are raging right now that could use the kind of courage and conviction that she brought to this site in 1968.”
The event concluded with Barton’s daughter Patricia, former Pickering Middle School principal and the first Black woman to be principal in Lynn, unveiling a plaque prototype of Barton that will be installed at the entrance of the building.
“This meant absolutely everything to me. My mother deserves this honor. It was very impactful. I’m thrilled,” Patricia said.
