Ethel Sykes – One of 85 tells the powerful, long‑overlooked story of the Oak Ridge 85—the courageous Black students who integrated the public schools of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on September 6, 1955, two years before the Little Rock Nine and one year before the Clinton 12. Through the life of Ethel Sykes, one of these pioneering students, the book uncovers a hidden chapter of American civil rights history that unfolded inside the "Secret City," a community originally built for the Manhattan Project.
Drawing from rich historical detail, the book reveals how Oak Ridge—created as a classified wartime installation—became an unlikely early battleground for educational equality. It explores the Scarboro community, the struggles of Black workers and families, and the extraordinary resilience of the children who walked into segregated schools and refused to be turned away. As the manuscript notes, these students "persevered with determination and resilience," even as they faced hostility, isolation, and discriminatory school policies.
Through Ethel Sykes' personal journey—from her early years shaped by Jim Crow Alabama to her lifelong commitment to community service—the book highlights the strength, dignity, and unity that defined Scarboro and fueled the fight for justice. Her story becomes a lens through which readers witness the courage of ordinary people who sparked extraordinary change.
More than a historical account, Ethel Sykes – One of 85 is a tribute to a community that stood together, a mother who dedicated her life to uplifting others, and a generation whose bravery helped reshape the American South. It preserves a legacy that "continues to inspire," reminding readers that progress often begins with the bold actions of a few—and that their impact can echo for generations.
