In honor of Black History Month, Genesis Express president George Radford shared the story of a prominent member of Trigg County history who was involved in the desegregation process in the Trigg school system.
Radford said Edward L. Oates, a Franklin native, was born in 1905 and died in 1976.
Radford said Oates, the principal at the time, was one of the few men in the school that was one of three male role models for students.
Oates was an exceptional leader at the school and coached Trigg County football and basketball for a time.
Radford said Oates was well-respected by everyone and worked well with fellow educators.
He added that Oates inspired his students to be driven and serious about their education.
Radford said Oates’ impact is still being felt through the generations to Trigg students today.
