August 04, 2022
by Jere W. Morehead, President
Today, UGA dedicated a new first-year residence hall named in honor of Harold A. Black, Mary Blackwell Diallo, and Kerry Rushin Miller, the first African American students to enroll as freshmen and complete their undergraduate degrees at the University of Georgia. This fall marks the 60th anniversary of their first semester on campus.
Dr. Black was the first African American male freshman at UGA and the first African American graduate of the Terry College of Business. Dr. Diallo was the first African American student from Athens to enroll at UGA. And Mrs. Miller was the first African American to earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from this institution. After earning their degrees, all three went on to make significant contributions to our society throughout their lives and careers.
We were delighted to have these iconic members of the UGA family with us to participate in the dedication ceremony for Black-Diallo-Miller Hall. This beautiful facility will provide housing for 525 first-year students in a state-of-the-art living and learning environment with spaces that are filled with light and with amenities that foster community and personal growth.
When our students move into Black-Diallo-Miller Hall next week, they will follow in the footsteps of these distinguished alumni who persevered despite the challenges they faced and paved the way for so many who have come behind them.