Imagine this: The Civil Rights Movement is in full swing. People are marching, protesting, demanding equality. It’s a time of great change, but also a time of great struggle. In the midst of all this, a young Black couple, William and Daisy Myers, had a dream. They dreamed of a home, a community, a life where they wouldn’t be judged by the color of their skin. They wanted the American Dream, just like everyone else.

So, in August 1957, they moved into Levittown, Pennsylvania. It was a picture-perfect suburb, with rows of charming houses and neatly trimmed lawns. Levittown was huge, built to house veterans’ families after the war, and it was seen as a symbol of the American dream.

But behind this pretty picture, there was a dark secret. Racism was deeply rooted in Levittown, a reminder that the American dream wasn’t meant for everyone. The Myers’ arrival shatter that illusion. Their very presence was a challenge, an act of defiance that sparked a wave of hate and bigotry.

Their home became a battleground. Their dreams were under attack. But Daisy Myers, a woman of incredible strength and courage, refused to back down. She stood her ground, even when faced with unimaginable hostility. Her bravery earned her the name “The Rosa Parks of the North.” Her story, and the story of her family, shows us the incredible resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times.

Lynda Myers, Daisy and William’s daughter, was just a one-month old baby then. She doesn’t remember those days, but she carries the weight of her family’s history. Lynda sat down with us for the ‘Her Radiant Path‘ blog to share her family’s remarkable story. Through her eyes, we see the lasting impact of her mother’s courage, the struggles of that era, and the important lessons we can still learn today.

A Dream Deferred, A Nightmare Unveiled

Lynda’s words capture the essence of their experience: “In 1957, my family made history. We weren’t trying to make history. We were just trying to live the so-called American Dream.”

It was 1957. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, but the fight for fair housing was just beginning. Civil rights organizations were focused on fighting job discrimination, and the Fair Housing Act was still years away.

Levittown: A Community Built on Exclusion

Levittown, built in 1951, was the picture of the perfect suburb. It had affordable homes for our veterans, well-planned neighborhoods, and everything a family could want – schools, churches, parks, even a big shopping center.

But there was a catch. This seemingly perfect community was built on a foundation of racism. Levitt & Sons, the builders, had to follow rules that said only white people could live there. And sadly, the government supported this. The Federal Housing Administration and the Veterans Administration only gave money for housing if it was segregated. The very institutions meant to help people achieve the American dream were keeping Black families out.

The Myers Family: Pioneers of Change

Despite these barriers, the Myers family was presented with a way to buy a home in Levittown. William, a war veteran and engineer, and Daisy, a teacher, just wanted a bigger house for their growing family. They weren’t trying to be heroes, they just wanted a better life. But their arrival in Levittown sparked a wave of racist hatred that would change their lives and the country forever.

A Crucible of Hate

The Myers’ dream of a peaceful life was shattered. Lynda remembers her mother’s stories: “People started gathering in front of the house, pointing and talking. Then the crowds got bigger and bigger.”

The harassment escalated every hour and every night. “They started throwing bottles, flicking cigarettes against the house, and wouldn’t leave, day or night. Then came the noise: loud, racist music, people banging on trash can lids. The neighbors wanted them gone. They thought they could scare them away.“

It’s important to note that while some neighbors were indeed hostile, many also supported and protected the family. The true source of the relentless antagonism stemmed largely from outsiders – members of the KKK and other hate groups – who descended upon the community to incite fear and violence. This distinction underscores the insidious nature of prejudice, highlighting how external forces can amplify local tensions and tragically disrupt the lives of innocent families.

The Myers family wouldn’t give in. “They didn’t know my mom and dad,” Lynda says with pride. “They didn’t scare that easily. They were stubborn. They said, ‘We want to be here, this is our home now, you can’t push us out.’ And they didn’t.”

The situation got so bad that the local police, who were prejudiced themselves, refused to help. “It got really bad,” Lynda remembers. “The local police wouldn’t do anything. They said ‘there’s nothing we can do.’

Finally, William Myers reached out to the governor, an old high school friend. The state police were sent in, but even they faced violence. “One trooper was hit in the head with a rock. There’re pictures of him covered in blood. You can find them online.”

The incident made national news, forcing the state to take action. The Myers family’s struggle became a symbol of the fight for fair housing, and Daisy Myers was hailed as a hero. They were on the cover of ‘Life Magazine’ as a feature story.

The “Rosa Parks of the North”

In the face of such hatred, Daisy Myers’ courage shone through. She refused to be driven from her home, her determination unwavering. Her bravery earned her the nickname “The Rosa Parks of the North.”

Like Rosa Parks, Daisy Myers didn’t set out to be a civil rights leader. She simply wanted a home for her family. But her quiet strength in the face of injustice resonated across the nation, exposing the deep-seated racism that plagued even the supposedly progressive North.

A Ripple Effect of Change

The Levittown incident was a turning point. The Myers family’s ordeal sparked outrage and galvanized support for fair housing legislation. Their struggle led to the passage of Pennsylvania’s Fair Housing Act in 1958, a victory that paved the way for countless others seeking the simple right to live where they chose.

Personal Impact: A Legacy of Silence and Strength

Lynda, though just a baby during the Levittown incident, carries the weight of this history. Growing up, she was shielded from the painful details of her family’s ordeal. Her parents, driven by a desire to protect their children and avoid reliving the trauma, chose silence over sharing their experiences. It wasn’t until adulthood that Lynda learned the full extent of her mother’s courageous stand.

Daisy found solace and empowerment in writing shortly after the incident. Personally prompted by the esteemed author Pearl S. Buck, she meticulously documented her family’s experience in Levittown. Her handwritten manuscript, “Sticks ‘n Stones,” remained a hidden treasure for years, a testament to her resilience and strength.

Upon retirement, Daisy joined a writing group, where her story captivated her fellow writers. Their encouragement led her to finally publish her memoir in 2005, sharing her powerful story with the world and ensuring that her family’s legacy would not be forgotten.

A Community’s Reckoning and Reconciliation

Years after the incident, in 2002, Levittown tried to make up for its shameful past. The town invited Daisy Myers back to offer a formal apology for the terrible ordeal she and her family went through. Lynda remembers her mother’s remarkable ability to forgive, even though the apology came from a mayor who wasn’t even born in 1957. “They rolled out the red carpet for her,” Lynda says, a touch of warmth in her voice. “They sent cars, put her up in a fancy hotel, the whole nine yards.“

Witnessing her mother’s grace and acceptance had a profound impact on Lynda. It was a turning point. Seeing Daisy let go of the pain, despite the decades that had passed, helped Lynda release the bitterness she had carried for so long. It was a powerful lesson in forgiveness and moving forward.

Keeping the Story Alive: The Fight for Remembrance

Today, Lynda is dedicated to ensuring that her family’s story is not forgotten. She is working with a Levittown group dedicated to commemorating the incident and educating future generations. They are planning to erect a historical marker in honor of Daisy and William Myers and are considering other ways to honor their legacy.

Lynda also dreams of seeing her family’s story portrayed accurately and comprehensively on the big screen. The 2017 film “Suburbicon” included elements of their story. The movie’s director, George Clooney, after reading Daisy’s book, inserted the subplot to bring attention to the incident, and admits it deserves its own headline. Lynda said, “Their story deserves a wider audience,” her voice filled with conviction.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Fight for Equality

The Myers family’s experience in Levittown serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement and the long struggle for fair housing. It also highlights the transformative power of individual courage and the enduring legacy of those who dared to dream of a better future.

As Lynda Myers eloquently puts it, “We need to recognize it and move on. We need to learn from it.” The Myers family’s story is a powerful reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing. It is a call to action, urging us to continue the work of dismantling systemic racism and creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to live the American dream.

The story of Daisy Myers and her family is not just a historical footnote but a living testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and inspire change. It is a story that deserves to be told, remembered, and celebrated, for it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the light of hope and courage can never be extinguished.

It is a story that must be shared, not just through historical markers and museum exhibits, but through the powerful medium of film, reaching a wider audience and ensuring that Daisy Myers’ legacy continues to inspire generations to come. The courage and resilience of Daisy Myers, the “Rosa Parks of the North,” serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that change is possible, that dreams can be realized, and that the human spirit, when fueled by justice and love, can overcome any obstacle.

Resources:

Book: ‘Sticks ‘n Stones‘, by Daisy Myers, on Amazon

YouTube: Crisis In Levittown, PA (1957)

Review of movie ‘Suburbicon‘ on RogerEbert.com

Thank you, Lynda, for your openness and generosity in sharing your family’s powerful story with us. Your willingness to shed light on this crucial chapter of American history is truly inspiring.

Readers, we invite you to share your thoughts, questions, and reflections on Lynda’s story in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation about the fight for equality and the enduring legacy of those who paved the way for a more just and equitable society.

Valarie B. Everett