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Zelma Henderson
Zelma Henderson
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Zelma Henderson Obituary
Zelma Henderson died Tuesday in Topeka, six weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Her son, Donald, said she wasn't physically imposing, but when she was passionate about something, "She was just fire."
In 1950, Henderson signed onto the litigation on behalf of her children challenging Topeka's segregated schools. In all, 13 black parents in Topeka, including the Rev. Oliver Brown, took part in the federal case.
The plaintiffs lost in U.S. District Court, but the case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, along with similar cases from Virginia, South Carolina and Delaware.
The high court's unanimous ruling overturning school segregation came on May 17, 1954.
As a child in the 1920s and '30s, Henderson had attended desegregated schools in the western Kansas town of Oakley. She was disgusted when she learned her own children would be required to attend segregated schools in Topeka.
Her children were forced to attend a school that was 10 blocks farther away from their home than a whites-only school.
"I wanted my children to know all races like I did," Zelma Henderson told The Associated Press in 2004. "It means a lot to a person's outlook on life. No inferiority complex at all, that's what I wanted for my children as far as race was concerned."
The Brown v. Board National Historic Site is now operated by the National Park Service in a formerly segregated school building.
"Her passing is a rather large milestone in the history of the case and that period of our history," said Dennis Vasquez, superintendent of the historic site. "It puts it in more of a historical perspective because there are no longer any living plaintiffs in the Topeka case."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
102 Entries
February 14, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Anna Solomon
February 20, 2011
Zelma was my great-grandmother's siter, and her contribution to that historic case makes make honored to be her relative, and crushed that she is gone.
Virgie Louis
May 31, 2008
The extent of the brave steps Ms Zelma and her friends took can never be measured. So many of us have succeeded in life's great journey. So many other people will profit from her bravery; spiritually, professionally, and culturally. We thank Ms. Zelma for all the sacrifices she made to make life more palatable.
How you can show support
Melba Tyler Coffee
May 28, 2008
To the family of Zelma Henderson:
So sorry to hear of your mother' death. You have my deepest sympathy. I knew your mother shortly after she came to Topeka. I was Vicki's mother-in-law. She and your father used to live behind us when they lived on Jewel and we lived on Woodward. I was a Tyler.
She left you with a very good legacy.
We are on the boat together on the trip to Alaska and everytime I came to Topeka I would visit St. John Church, my home church, and was always glad to see her. She will truly be missed.
Stephany Hurst- Russell
May 27, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Rita Payton
May 27, 2008
What a great and glorious day it will be when prejudice and racial hatred are at long last buried. Family, do not despair, she was a history making, strong, black woman. She has indeed earned her place in the history books. May God bless your family.
Melissa Button
May 27, 2008
To Zelma's family,
I had the honor to meet Zelma a few years ago to take her picture for the Oakley, KS, newspaper. We visited about how education has changed over the years. Although I only spent an hour or so with her, she touched me and inspired me in many ways. God Bless your family in this difficult time.
Karolyn & Jim Murray
May 27, 2008
Our love and deepest sympathies go out to the family of Ms Zelma. We were always proud to know her, she was always a lady, no matter the situation. I always looked up to her, and of course she could only tell us what she has gone through, and we know what she did for the generations that followed. She was a delight to travel with on our many bus trips. I know we as God's creatures can not be selfish and want Ms Zelma to remain here with us, we know God loves her more.
L. Chamberlain
May 27, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
V & V Washington
May 27, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Andrea Hunter
May 27, 2008
Thank you for making it possible for the educational and social opportunities that are now available for me and my children. I hope they never know the amount of hatred and ignorance that your generation went through for us. May your soul be at peace as you journey to meet your loved ones.
Carolyne Devereaux-Cordell
May 27, 2008
Thank you for making it possible for me and others to achieve the educational opportunities we have. May God be with your family in their hour of sorrow and may he continue to bless them.
Carolyne Devereaux -Cordell and Family
Lynda Bell
May 26, 2008
To the family and friends of Zelma Henderson, My family wishes to express our heart felt condolences. my mother now in her eighties were in that same era, had went through the same as a child. she speaks of her education that she did not recieve, but later as an adult achieved. she always speaks to her children and grands and other children where ever she goes and to whom ever she meets. she gets in tears. I wasn't quite born during the time of Linda Brown's ordeal, I remember when there were only one white student in an all black high school, I had never come that close to another race before, the change had just begun. he graduated along with the class of that year. I am now returning back to school to recieve my degree in teaching. my two daughters also. May the Lord continue to strengthen you and keep you, your mother, aunt, and grandmother left a legacy behind her for you. I love her and you. and God loves her best.
Love you, Lynda B. Ga. and my family
Rev. Euzell Ball Sr.
May 26, 2008
The members of St. Mark's A.M.E. Church extends our deepest sympathies, and assure you that our prayers are with you in this time of your sadness.
Candace and Mariah Cohen
May 26, 2008
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Hebrews 13:6
Thank you Heavenly Father, for providing us with another example of what it means to be courageous and stand for justice. You called your angel home; let us who remain continue to run the race and live out her legacy.
I pray that the family of Zelma Henderson find peace in the spirit of the comforter.
Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
1 Col 16:13.
Dana Hurst-Clark
May 25, 2008
Aunt Zelma was considered a "Star" to those who knew her. The legacy she has left behind will always be remembered.
With Our Deepest Sympathy! The Family of the late Larry K. Hurst Sr.
James & Lisa Hurst
May 25, 2008
Thank you for helping to make the world a better place. Highland park wouldn't have been the same with out your efforts. People are still learning your lessons. Your spirit lives on!!
Crystal Slaughter & Family
May 24, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Tish Padilla Alcala
May 24, 2008
Thank you for your part in making it mandatory for equality for all children. I also had the opportunity to have Mrs. Lucinda Todd as a teacher in grade school. I look back now and say what an honor. Let us pray and hope that today's generation learn to appreciate your long and dedicated fight for what was right. May your legacy live on thru your children and their children. God forever bless your Mrs. Henderson. May your inspiration from above continue to help make this a better place.
Marilyn Murphy-Rollins
May 24, 2008
Rest In Peace Mrs. Henderson, history was trully made and this has encouraged me at the age i am to rejoin the ranks of getting a higher education for sure..
Samantha Turner
May 24, 2008
I'm so sorry about your loss, Ms Zelma was such a wonderful woman. She will be missed.. May the lord bless you and your family!
ELLEN MACKEN
May 24, 2008
TO HAVE MADE HISTORY WHAT A HONOR. A PRAYER FOR ZELMA AND TO THANK GOD FOR HER SPUNK.
GOD BLESS
Peter Williams
May 24, 2008
I never knew you personally, but Thank God for you being here on earth to do what I know from history that you were put on this earth to do! To the Family: "Earth has no Sorrow That Heaven Cannot Heal."
J. L. Darby
May 24, 2008
Dear Family of the Late Ms. Zelma Henderson:
An icon of American History, a matriach of education equality and justice for all and a vessel of honor for the Lord has departed this world to receive her crown of rewards. Her work on earth is a testimony for every educated individual in these United States. Although I personally did not know her, I appreicate what she did so that all peoples of color would have an opportunity to excel in this diverse world in which we live. I am grateful and thankful that her generation paved the way for the generations to follow. May the Lord comfort your hearts during your time of sorrow and my the United States forever pay tribute through various documentaries, literature and ceremonials.
Corinne Roberson
May 24, 2008
So sorry to hear of your loss, but remember that we shall see our loved ones again in the resurrection.
Marcia Fox
May 24, 2008
My prayers are with you,family. Thank God for such a spirit and a lady. I am a cousin of Arthur Hurst. Love
Micheal L. Nesbitt
May 24, 2008
THANK YOU...THANK YOU...
Micheal L. Nesbitt
Lillian Martin
May 24, 2008
Rest in Peace.
Steven McLean
May 24, 2008
Zelma .. i never met you .. i wish i had .. you are a truly remarkable lady.
The world is at a great loss without you .. and needs more people like yourself.
If there is a heaven .. i hope one day to meet you there ...
May you rest in peace ..
My thoughts and prayers are with your family ...
Patricia Watkins
May 24, 2008
"One of God's Angels"
James Bordonaro
May 23, 2008
Thank you Mrs. Henderson. You had the courage of your convictions to stand up and be counted against one of the greatest injustices of American history. We have all been made better for your contributions to this great land.
The Hines Family
May 23, 2008
Thank you, the love for your children also showered our children.
May 23, 2008
Zelma was a true American Hero. This was not at her own hand, but from the hand God Almighty. Parents, look to examples like Zelma for your own sake and that of you children. Sports, Entertainment and Political heroes cannot change the world. Heroes of the Spirit can.
Lorna Hall
May 23, 2008
Thank you for your strenght, your true sense of what is right and what is wrong and for having the faith and the courage to fight for what you believed in.
Lorna Hall
May 23, 2008
Thank you for your strenght, your true sense of what is right and what is wrong and for having the faith and the courage to fight for what you believed in.
Reverend Linda Stampley
May 23, 2008
To her family,
My family and I will never be able to thank her enough for what she did for us in this lifetime.
Her lasting memories will be remember for centuries. For what she did is why Obama can do what he is doing.
Simmons, Hudson and Stampley family.
Barbara Todd Blakley
May 23, 2008
To the family with sincere sympathy and many prayers that God will give you His help, His strength, and His hope during this time of sorrow. I will miss my visit 's with Zelma for some of our family history in which we did get to talk about and record. Thanks for leaving a big part of it to many and for a better America.
Mary Jeffers
May 23, 2008
In Memory of Ms. Zelma Henderson:
May it comfort your family to know that we share in your loss. You will go down in history in our struggle for equality, along with Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Rosa Parks, and many others. Thank you for standing up for justice. With integration, our children will get the opportunities that would not have been theirs if not for integration. Thank you, thank you so much!
Beverly Watkins
May 23, 2008
May Her Fame Endure Forever!
I, like sooooo many others are standing on your SHOULDERS. You helped to open MANY-A doors for sooooo many Black Americans.
Thank you & I SALUTE YOU!
I'll keep the entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace, Mrs. Zelma Henderson
Connie Portis
May 23, 2008
Thank you for your courage to go where others would not, to take a chance to change what others thought not, and to rise up when others pushed down.
Your life change a villiage -America.
CARRIE ALFORD
May 23, 2008
To the Henderson Family,
Look to the hills of Glory for your mom was a virtous woman with dignity strenght and honor I want to THANK her for whom she was for our Nation one nation under GOD for the black communities everyone she was the one that paved the road for education in schooling with varities of color for students, THANKS and now she is sittin on the right side of the MASTER EDUCATOR. JESUS
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DONE FOR OUR NATION MRE. HENDERSON
THE GARNETTS, THE ALFORDS, THE GORDONS, AND THE GOFFNEYS AND THE CLEMONS
Sandra Wooten
May 23, 2008
As a child growing up in southeast Georgia, my first grade year was the first year that the schools in our town were desegregated. That was in great part to the pioneers who were brave enough to stand for something greater than themselves. Thank you, Mrs Henderson, for being a woman of greatness and sacrificing for people like me who came behind you. May God be with your family during this difficult time.
Pamela R. Durham
May 23, 2008
Thanks for helping to create Black History and the important role that we are to this country. We are proud Americans that came here not by our own choice. Our children have a future for a good education because of people that stood up like you. How sad it is when every child is not given the opportunity to have a good eucation especially because of the color of their skin. You are an American Hero.
VIRGINIA MERRIETT
May 23, 2008
THANK YOU FOR MAKING AMERICA A BETTER PLACE FOR FOR ALL PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE EQUALITY AS OUR CONSTITUTION WAS ESTABLISHED AS A GUIDLINE. WE WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR STANDING UP YOUR RIGHTS AS AN AMERICAN.
Diana Perez
May 23, 2008
Ms. Henderson,
"THANK YOU" for taking a stand in Topeka's Brown v. Board of Education. God Bless You for keeping you strong! You are a true HERO! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P.
Jacqueline Paddio
May 23, 2008
I am thankful to God for your endurance, tenacity and courage. Because of you, I am able to enjoy the fruit of your labor. May God grant peace to the family and we will see you in heaven.
Mathilda Wiltz
May 23, 2008
Thanks Ms Henderson, for being so strong.
chanda white
May 23, 2008
On behalf of my children and myself, thank you for your tireless efforts. You were a mother of courage and conviction who impacted the lives of many.
Yesenia T
May 23, 2008
My condolences to the family of Zelma Henderson, and all those whose lives she touched. She believed in loving her neighbor as herself, a commandment we should all follow. May you find comfort in the promise that Jehovah God, who is not partial, gives us in John 5:28,29 "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life". (Note: Matthew 22:39;ACTS 10:34, 35)
Stephanie Ryder
May 23, 2008
Ms. Henderson's passing marks the passing of a hero. God bless and keep her family and friends during this time of grieving.
James E Wells Jr
May 23, 2008
Thank you for blazing trails that have impacted the quality of education in this country. May your work and efforts be continually appreciated by those, who are reaping the rewards now and hence forth. Your name has been written in the history of life, and definitely on the role of one of God's annointed children. Your labor has not been in vain.
Richard Morgan
May 23, 2008
Zelma the fifties and sixties where horrible, Thanks for making things batter for all of us, if you know what I mean. God bless you and your family on behalf of Anna and James Morgan Richard, Carol, Dennis, and Anita
Charles Crouther Jr.
May 23, 2008
Thank You.
Louisville Kentucky
May 22, 2008
Thank you, and may God Bless you for your work here on earth.
Alice Gray
May 22, 2008
Thank you Mrs. Henderson, for all that you have done, which help changed the course of history.
I wished that i could have met you and that the young people of today could and should know the what you guys when through to ensure that they had a quality education. I thank you, my kids thank you and so does my grandchildren.
Elliott Littlejohn
May 22, 2008
Thank you
Thank You (Queen)
May 22, 2008
Death, be not proud
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
By John Donne
The Poetry Foundation
Melissa Martin
May 22, 2008
Thank you for all of your hard work. It has not been forgotten.
Marilyn Harris
May 22, 2008
To the family of Mrs. Z. Henderson
Find strength in God and his infinite wisdom. Our nation is forever grateful for her passion for change.
Zelma Walker
May 22, 2008
I am honored to know that I share my name with your loved one and pray that I can continue to honor her legacy.
Sammie kay McCreary
May 22, 2008
Because of you. I have enjoyed the finer things in life thanks for a life well lived. May God bless your family and loved ones in this time of sorrow.
Gennairey Covington
May 22, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
May 22, 2008
Thank you for your contribution in the fight for educational rights. Your sacrifices made it better for me and my sacrifices makes it better for my son and others who will follow. God bless your soul and rest in peace knowing that you have done well with your time here on earth. I fought for the right to not have to sit in the back of the school bus in the South. With love, appreciation, and a big hug, I will thank you in person when my time comes.
Dee Mont-Louis
May 22, 2008
Thank you Mrs. Henderson,
Thank you for standing for us back then that opened doors for us all.
Simply Thank you.
willie anderson
May 22, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Howlett
May 22, 2008
How much better our world is because a person such as Mrs. Henderson had the courage and conviction to stand for what is right.
I have benefitted because of her action as have my children and now grandchildren. Thank you!
My sympathy to the family.
Sherry Ann Hill
May 22, 2008
Thank You Mrs. Henderson!
Because of you so many others had the priviledge of attending the school of their choice and obtaining an education without having the decision to do based on their ethinicity/race. May the example of bravery you left for us continue to live in our minds as well as our hearts.
God Bless your family at this time of their profound loss.
Apostle Paula T. Robinson/ White
May 22, 2008
A spiritual warrior as well as a social warrior and political, one of God's Jewels in His crown. She will be greatly missed. You are in my prayers
William & Jean Sims Hill
May 22, 2008
Unfortunately, we did not have the honor of knowing Ms. Zelma, but we do know she accomplished great things. May God guide her path home...........go in peace.
Nicole
May 22, 2008
Thank you Mrs. Henderson for everything you did to make a change in the world. R.I.P.
Lisa U.
May 22, 2008
On behalf of the many professionals who reached their dreams because of your courage, I say thank you and may God comfort your friends and family. May God reward you.
verlene miller
May 22, 2008
thank you for everything that you have done for us, mrs. henderson
Debra
May 22, 2008
To the family, we are eternally grateful for Ms. Henderson! What an impact she help to make on America and the world. May she rest in peace. Job well done.
Mr. and Mrs. King
May 22, 2008
Thank You for opening the doors of opportunity. God Bless!
May 22, 2008
Thank YOU!
Angela Bourne
May 22, 2008
TO GOD BE THE GLORY. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR CHILDREN YOU DIDN"T KNOW.
Alice Long
May 22, 2008
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation
Andrew Smith
May 22, 2008
Thank you for your unselfishness. Because of your commitment to equality, you have left a legacy that is unparallel. Your life is lived everyday as a child of color enters through the doors of an American public school building.
KEVIN EDMONDS
May 22, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
louis carwell
May 22, 2008
she stood up for not only her rights but for the rights of all americans.thanks zelma for your courage and strength.rest in peace zelma,you did a splindid job.
Daniels Family
May 22, 2008
Our sympathies are offered to the Henderson family. May you find comfort in all your loving and precious memories. (Rev 21:3,4)
E.D. Arrington
May 22, 2008
Thank you, Mrs. Henderson, for your courage which helped to change this country for the betterment of all Americans. You brought us all a step closer to being "one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
Annette Wallace
May 22, 2008
My God bring peace and joy into the hearts of all the family members of this wonderful, fearless woman/Mrs. Zelma Henderson. Her courageous fight has made the world a brighter and much better place for all of us that are able to attend school where we choose, not where it is chosen for us. Mrs. Henderson fought for those blank faces in a crowd; this one blank face now wishes her peace and rest in the hands of her Savior now and forever.
Ester Vargas Pipersky
May 22, 2008
To the family of Zelma Henderson,
Please accept my deepest condolences in the passing of your loved one. I wish I had met this beautiful hero; unfortunately, I will only be able to read about her. How wonderful and proud you must feel knowing she lived her life standing up for what is right. I too lost my mother on May 24, 2008, and I can tell you Zelma will continue to live within those who loved her. I pray God will give you strength during this difficult time. Hugs from a stranger coming your way.
May 21, 2008
Thank You Ms. Henderson for standing up thus giving us a chance.
Hilnore Barrow
May 21, 2008
To: The family of Mrs. Zelma Henderson:
You have my sincere condolences during this fragile period of loss. Although it did not appear to be so in 1950, the fabric of our country was strengthen by the couragous actions of your beloved deceased. We are indebted to her memory. I thank God for her, her spirit, and her brevity. I hope you will find comfort in the memory of her great legacy.
May God Bless You All.
Harriett Bennett
May 21, 2008
Condolences to the family.
Ms. Henderson, Thank you for your courage. May your life continue to be an example to others who remain in the fight. Rest in peace, your victory has been won.
Maxine J. Brown
May 21, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
KAREN CUTTEN
May 21, 2008
THANK YOU.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
May 21, 2008
YOUR WORK IS DONE, REST IN PEACE ZELMA HENDERSON
Daniels Family
May 21, 2008
Thank you for the courage you had. Because of your actions, the world is a better place. I wish we had more like you now. GOD bless the family during this time in your lives.
Jan Canada
May 21, 2008
May God bless Ms. Henderson's family and all of us who understand the importance of her quest for the survival of black folks in a nation that speaks of justice for all of God's children but only a few had the courage to stand up and say there is no justice in segregation. Thank you Ms. Henderson.
Cornell Robinson
May 21, 2008
Thank You!!!! Servant of God well done. The battle's been fought, the victory won, ENTER YOUR MASTER'S JOY!!!
Now let us celebrate the life of a virtuous woman by continuing to strive for equality for all mankind.
Debbie Bivens
May 21, 2008
"Thank You" Mrs. Henderson, For having the courage, wisdom, grace and strength to fight a battle that many would have been afraid to.
You are, truly, a soldier in Christ. May you rest in peace in eternal glory with your Lord God, Jesus Christ.
S Brown
May 21, 2008
Not to know someone... yet to know that their time here on this earth has left such a tremendous impact on how history has been made, as well as changed.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Ms. Henderson.
Another one of life's history makers....gone but not forgotten.
MJ Grimes
May 21, 2008
May God comfort you in your time of sorrow and know that she will go down in the history books as a fighter for freedom and justice. She will be remembered as a pioneer that paved the way for us all.
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