Events—Open Door Kindergarten

One of the most visible and long term results of Unitarian involvement in addressing racial inequalities was the creation of the first inter-racial, non-sectarian kindergarten in the CSRA, forty years ago. Current member, Kay Sutherland (now Ohannesian) was a member of the early interracial group of women determined to make a difference in the lives of August children as was Peggy Kelly, who taught in the Kindergarten.

 

Over the next few years, not only did members teach in the program, but many of our children also attended.  The first class of 17 kindergarteners started in the fall of 1964.  The Unitarian Fellowship made the Religious Education wing available for no fee, although the Open Door Kindergarten made small, regular contributions to the church.  The kindergarten remained at the church for over twenty years until it moved to the Reformed Temple on Walton Way, where it remains today.

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August 23, 1964