“You can’t ever take your eyes off the prizes of freedom, justice and equality.” Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63)
On January 9, also known as the Anniversary of Desegregation at the University of Georgia, we celebrate the fortitude of Hamilton Holmes (BS ’63), Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63), and Mary Frances Early (MMED ’62, EDS ’67). Their courage helped provide the framework for diversity and inclusion at UGA and their legacies reflect a lifetime of public service that extends beyond the Arch.
Additionally, there are many untold stories of Black students and alumni who shifted the landscape of the university to make it a more inclusive place for all. In honor of our trailblazers, I encourage you to listen to the Black Alumni Oral History Project sponsored by the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Started in 2019 with funding from the Giving Voice to the Voiceless grant and established by Charlayne Hunter-Gault and her husband, Ron Gault, the project seeks to collect stories from Black alumni, documenting their experiences at UGA and expanding an understanding of the Black experience on campus over the decades.
It began with their courage; it continues with our commitment. Thank you for your continued support.
Go Dawgs!
Jacinta Smith (BS ’01, MS ’04)
President, Black Alumni Leadership Council
