Redwood teacher and VUSD administrator team up to tell an untold story

By: Ayla Ozturk

On February 7th 2022, a Redwood High School teacher and an administrator in Visalia Unified School District advocated for the recognition of an honorable figure in Visalia’s history; Edmond Wysinger.

Bill Henshaw is Redwood’s video instructor. He teaches students how to create quality projects through the Career Technical Education Video Arts program.

Brandon Gridiron is VUSD’s Administrator of Equity and Student Services. Gridiron interacts and works with students to make improvements within the district.

After extensive research, the two worked to understand Wysinger’s impact on schools today.

Born to an African-American mother and a Native-American father, Wysinger was born into slavery in South Carolina.

After 30 years, he followed his “master” to the state of California.

He worked in the goldfields until he bought his freedom on October 30, 1854.

He married Pernessa Wilson ten years later. They ended up having 8 children, including Arthur Wysinger.

Wysinger wanted Arthur to go to the “white” school. With his son beside him, he walked up to the schoolmaster and demanded that Arthur attend the school. The schoolmaster declined.

Despite failure, Wysinger refused to stop there. He took the case to the Tulare County Superior Court.

Unfortunately, Wysinger lost his case. Dedicated to his cause, he took it even further. He went to the California Superior Court.

On January 29, 1890, Wysinger was victorious. Not only his son, but children of color statewide could now attend the same schools as white children.

Wysinger sadly passed away before he could see his son attend the “white” school and eventually be the first African-American to graduate.

Wysinger’s case was cited in Brown vs The Board of Education. This particular case desegergated schools nationwide.

According to Henshaw, the goal is to name a park, create a statue, and possibly name a highway in Wysinger’s honor.

Gridiron says it was an “amazing opportunity and blessing” to have City Hall recognize Wysinger’s story.

He expresses, “My hope is that Mr. Wysinger’s story can be an example for us to begin to learn and share stories of other great Visalians who have made positive contributions to the people and City of Visalia.”

Gridiron wants Visalia to become one of the first Culturally Rich or Culturally Engaging Community Environments where everyone feels “a true sense of belonging and pride”.

Henshaw did extensive research on the subject. He voices, “[I] found his mess of patient paperwork, other historical documents, his lineage his family.”

In addition to working with Gridiron, Henshaw included the work of his students. William Youngquist, class of 2023, created a documentary on Wysinger’s story.

The film won multiple awards and qualified for the All American High School Film Festival. Read more here.

Henshaw also worked with Terry Ommen, a historian who focuses on the history of Visalia.

He also worked with others in the community to ensure he got the “words to say it right”.

Henshaw notes, “We want to say it [the story] in a way that was presentable. It’s historically accurate and purposeful.”

After being buried in history for hundreds of years, Edmond Wysinger’s story was told.

Henshaw and Gridiron are determined to honor his impact on not only California’s schools, but schools nationwide.

“I think it’s the beginning of something really special. Visalia Heritage Inc wants to do the same type of thing for future historians.” Henshaw adds.

“Through this journey, I have not only learned from Mr. Henshaw, but I have gained a friend in the process. I thank him and his students for shining light on Mr. Wysinger’s story and inspiring me to do the same.” Gridiron says.

“We honor the past to inspire the future.”

– Brandon Gridiron 2022

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