Norfolk 17 members visit Norview High

NORFOLK, Va. - 50 years ago, the group known as the "Norfolk 17" boldly led the way to desegregation. Some of the members went to Norview High School where Friday, students welcomed some of their most notable alumni.

Norview High School looks different today. A lot different. Students cheered as Norfolk 17 members walked the halls of their alma mater. It was a very emotional moment, bringing some of the group to tears and reminding others of the first time they walked these halls.

Norfolk 17 Member Andrew Heidelberg told WAVY.com, "It flashed me back when I came through that door and I heard you kids yelling and screaming and cheering. And it was like the first day I was here. But they were different kinds of cheers, but they were ten times louder than that. And calling names and stuff."

Dr. Patricia Turner, another Norfolk 17 member remembers, "Name calling, everyday for four and a half years. A name that was not yours...and 98-percent of them were unpleasant."

Despite tales of bigotry and hatred, the message the Norfolk 17 had for students Friday was one of hope and equality rather than hatred. A message delivered eloquently by those who had long ago, "walked the walk."

Norfolk 17 Member Carol Wellington said, "I was here for three years, so when I reach out, I reach out because now it's a different feeling. We can hold each other...As Andrew said we were called names. A lot of them I don't remember. You close your mind to those things because you have a goal in coming through those doors. And your goal is to get an education."

While several students had questions for the Norfolk 17, one had a message of her own to deliver - a message of gratitude.

"I wanted to say on behalf of every student at Norview High School: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, that everything that you've done has not gone unappreciated," said Norview student Jewel Torres. A legacy for generations to come.

And at city hall, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim unveiled renderings of the proposed Unity Square. The project will honor the Norfolk 17 and will be part of the new $100-million Courthouse Complex.