The Desegregation of the University of Georgia
In 1959, Hamilton Holmes (1941-1995) and Charlayne Hunter (b.1942-present) did what many young people do after graduation: applied for college. Holmes was his school’s valedictorian, president of the senior class, and co-captain of the football team. Hunter was involved in several organizations at her school including the school newspaper and honors society. She was elected homecoming queen and graduated third in her class. Obviously these two students would have been ideal candidates for any institution of higher learning.
However, both were not accepted by the University of Georgia based on their race. Publically the University claimed their rejection was due to lack of housing along with Holmes’ “avoidance” during a campus interview. After numerous denials, the two students brought their case to federal court. After only three weeks, the court ruled in favor of Hunter and Holmes. They began classes on January 6, 1961.
Soon after arriving on campus, a mob of students, locals, and members of the KKK started a riot on campus and threw bricks and rocks through Hunter’s dorm window (Holmes lived off campus). The Georgia state patrol escorted both Hunter and Holmes back to Atlanta. A few days later, the court ruled that Hunter and Holmes be reinstated and allowed to return to the campus. Both Hunter and Holmes graduated from the University and though they were not treated well by their peers, they were never in physical danger after the initial riot.
Holmes became a successful doctor in the Atlanta area until his death in 1995. Hunter became a well- respected journalist and is still working in the profession today. In 2001, the University of Georgia celebrated the 40th anniversary of its desegregation by renaming the academic building after Hunter and Holmes.
However, both were not accepted by the University of Georgia based on their race. Publically the University claimed their rejection was due to lack of housing along with Holmes’ “avoidance” during a campus interview. After numerous denials, the two students brought their case to federal court. After only three weeks, the court ruled in favor of Hunter and Holmes. They began classes on January 6, 1961.
Soon after arriving on campus, a mob of students, locals, and members of the KKK started a riot on campus and threw bricks and rocks through Hunter’s dorm window (Holmes lived off campus). The Georgia state patrol escorted both Hunter and Holmes back to Atlanta. A few days later, the court ruled that Hunter and Holmes be reinstated and allowed to return to the campus. Both Hunter and Holmes graduated from the University and though they were not treated well by their peers, they were never in physical danger after the initial riot.
Holmes became a successful doctor in the Atlanta area until his death in 1995. Hunter became a well- respected journalist and is still working in the profession today. In 2001, the University of Georgia celebrated the 40th anniversary of its desegregation by renaming the academic building after Hunter and Holmes.