The Pennsylvania State Historical and Museum Commission has given the green light for a highway marker to honor Levittown’s first Black family, the Myers, who bravely endured significant racial hostility upon moving to the Dogwood Hollow section in 1957. This significant historical remembrance comes as a gesture to recognize the ordeal faced by the family, who were met with cross burnings and death threats from those resisting racial integration.
The Myers family’s experience is a poignant chapter in Levittown’s history, highlighting the racial tensions that occurred during a time when segregation was still prevalent in many parts of the United States. The introduction of this highway marker is a meaningful step towards acknowledging and educating the public about the challenges that the Myers family faced in their quest for equal rights and acceptance.
This marker does more than commemorate a difficult chapter in history; it serves as a beacon of progress and a reminder of the resilience shown by those who pursue equity and justice despite facing adversity. It prompts reflection on societal strides made since and the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and understanding community. By memorializing the struggles of the Myers family, the marker is poised to contribute to a broader conversation about equality and civil rights in American history.