Woman at center of Brown v. Topeka BOE case dies at 76

The woman, who more than 60 years ago was at the center of an historic Supreme Court case involving education equality, has died at the age of 76

Linda Brown was at the center of the 1954 Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education Supreme Court decision that ended school segregation in the United States.

Topeka's former Sumner School was all-white when her father, Oliver, tried to enroll the family. He became lead plaintiff in the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

The

Topeka Capital Journal

reports Linda Brown's sister, the founding president of

The Brown Foundation

, confirmed Brown's death and that Topeka's Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel will handle arrangements.

“(Brown's) legacy is not only here but nationwide,” Kansas Deputy Education Commissioner Dale Dennis told The Capital-Journal. “The effect she had on our society would be unbelievable and insurmountable.”

Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer’s statement on the passing of Linda Brown:

“Sixty-four years ago a young girl from Topeka, Kansas sparked a case that ended segregation in public schools in America. Linda Brown's life reminds us that by standing up for our principles and serving our communities we can truly change the world. Linda’s legacy is a crucial part of the American story and continues to inspire the millions who have realized the American dream because of her.”