Samford to commemorate 50th anniversary of integration

Samford to commemorate 50th anniversary of integration

Fifty years ago in fall 1967, the late Audrey Lattimore Gaston Howard became the first African-American to enroll full time at Samford University in Birmingham. She was a student in Cumberland School of Law.

Samford is commemorating the 50th anniversary of integration with a series of programs and recognitions during the 2017–18 academic year. A special highlight will be the recognition of African-American Samford alumni with Audrey Gaston Howard Awards.

Nominees for this recognition must have distinguished themselves through exemplary professional achievement and civic and community service.

In 1969 the late Elizabeth Sloan became the first African-American undergraduate to live on campus. That same year Samford became the first major university in Alabama to integrate its sports teams when three African-American junior college transfers — Sherman Hogan, Otha Mitchell and Billy Williams — joined the basketball team.

“Fifty years ago, the Samford University family grew more diverse, larger and stronger … and the world was better for it,” said Samford President Andrew Westmoreland. “We continue to celebrate that progress with special events and commemorations this year.” Westmoreland noted that almost 2,000 African-Americans have earned Samford degrees during the past 50 years and have gone on to achieve success in medicine and science, business, ministry, education, the arts and politics. (Samford)