Upcoming virtual presentations mark 50th anniversary of Pontiac bus bombings

Oakland History Center, Oakland Literacy Council Present on Racial Integration in Pontiac Schools

PONTIAC, MICHIGAN – On February 18, 2021, the Oakland History Center and Oakland Literacy Council are partnering to offer free presentations on the History of Racial Integration in Pontiac Schools. The 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. presentations will be in a virtual format and preregistration is required.

“This year marks 50 years since the start of court-ordered busing of elementary students to facilitate the racial integration of Pontiac’s public schools – and 50 years since the traumatic bombing of ten school buses right as the school year was to begin,” said Mike McGuinness, Executive Director of the Oakland History Center.

“These past events have shaped our Oakland County communities, educational systems, and experiences of the adult learners we serve. They are connected to the educational inequalities we see today,” said Oakland Literacy Council Executive Director Lisa Machesky. “We are pleased to share this history with the broader community and thank Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union for supporting this event.”

“Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union strongly believes in the power of education and its ability to positively impact our communities. With that goal in mind, we are honored to serve as the presenting sponsor for the Oakland Literacy Council and Oakland History Center’s Pontiac history presentation. This program will examine an ugly moment in Pontiac’s history while illuminating the strides that have been made in the 50 years since,” said Ann Jones, MSGCU Vice President of Marketing and Business Development.

Those interested in attending can visit www.oaklandliteracy.com/pontiachistory to register or to find more  information.