January 07, 2021
by Jere W. Morehead, President
This weekend marks the 60th anniversary of desegregation at the University of Georgia. On January 9, 1961, Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter (now Hunter-Gault) became the first African American students to enroll at UGA. Their bravery and perseverance forever changed this institution for the better and bolstered the civil rights movement across our state and nation.
The University will commemorate this important milestone in multiple ways, beginning with a ceremonial ringing of the Chapel Bell on January 9. Hamilton Holmes Jr., son of Hamilton Holmes and a UGA alumnus himself, will present the keynote address for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast on January 15. Charlayne Hunter-Gault will discuss her book In My Place, which describes her role in the civil rights movement, on March 24. Additional events and exhibitions will take place on campus and virtually throughout the semester.
The University of Georgia is grateful for the lasting contributions of Hamilton Holmes, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, and other groundbreaking students who followed them. They inspired changes on our campus that have made UGA more diverse and inclusive, and their far-reaching accomplishments as alumni have brought great distinction to this institution. We honor their legacy as we continue to cultivate a welcoming learning environment that promotes the success of every student.