RICHMOND (AP) -- The city of Norfolk will hold a series of events that will mark the end of Massive Resistance, Virginia's final effort to deny black students the right to attend public schools.

Norfolk's observance of the 50th anniversary of the end of Massive Resistance will start with a January 19 march led by the "Norfolk 17," the first black students to integrate the city's all-white schools. Also participating will be members of the Lost Class of 1959 -- thousands of white students who were barred from attending class when Governor Lindsay Almond shut down six of Norfolk's public schools.

On February 2, members of the Norfolk 17 will return to the schools they first entered 50 years earlier.

Video: Monday marks 50th anniversary of "massive resistance" desegregation policy

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More than nine thousand white students called "the lost class of 1959" had no where to go. White and black students were forced to find other places to attend class.

Norfolk became the focal point of a national debate over school integration. Months later, the Norfolk 17 became the first African Americans to integrate Norfolk’s public schools.

It was the start of a long road that city leaders say has been remarkable and that the lessons learned need to be remembered and celebrated.             

"That we can come together and put this behind us that we can share these memories, that we can all then move forward together," said Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim.