DUBLIN, Ga. — The Dublin City Board of Education honored its first 7 African American students, known as the Magnificent Seven.
Before these students were admitted in 1965, Dublin High School was an all-white school.
These women were said to have paved the way for many.
They said coming back to be recognized after 60 years is like coming full circle.
Although young, they said they knew choosing higher education was the right thing to do.
Sharon Tucker graduated in 1967 and says she hopes her story can inspire future generations.
"We had no idea that we were making history," Tucker said. "Every generation works hard for the next generation. We all stand on the shoulders of people who have sacrificed and I'm glad that someone can stand on my shoulder and I hope our young people will be reminded of that."
After enduring racism and rejection and still graduating, these seven students knew they had a story to tell.
Ceola Whipple-Foreman graduated in 1966 and was the first-ever African-American graduate of Dublin High School.
"Today means so much to me, and I never thought I would see it," Whipple said. "I admired Martin Luther King and others and would always watch them on television. I knew that I could do that too, I knew I needed to do that. We were people just like everybody else and we needed to be recognized and seen equally."
Gwendolyn Johnson-Mack graduated in 1967.
She said that coming back 60 years later and being gifted with historical banners makes her feel like she is making her younger self proud.
"Many times, you're deceased and never know what has happened or how people may have received it, but to be able to witness this, I am grateful and especially for my children and family to understand the story," Johnson said.
Betty McRae-Wells graduated in 1968 and says this is more rewarding for her kids and grandkids, who look up to her.
"After 60 years of not being recognized officially other than among ourselves, we recognize that we were integrating Dublin High School, but at the same token we did not realize we were making history," McRae said.
McRae mentioned that her granddaughter portrayed her during Black History Month in her school's interactive wax museum. She said it makes her proud to see history grow with these kids.
"This means more than being a trailblazer," McRae said. "To see this, to have my family here to see this opportunity, this recognition is being given to me on their behalf. I feel like it's more for the kids and their future than it is for me."
The program ended with remarks from Superintendent Fred Williams, a musical tribute sung by the students of Dublin High School, and lots of pictures.
While the seven women entered the high school in 1965, Dublin schools weren't fully integrated until 16 years after the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown vs. Board of Education decision.