UGA to mark 60th anniversary of desegregation

Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes leave the University of Georgia campus after a trying day on Jan. 10, 1961. They had just completed the necessary qualifications for their entrance at the University of Georgia, where they would become the first black students at the school. Though both would graduate from UGA, they weren't the first to do that. That honor belongs to graduate student Mary Frances Early. You can read her story here. Charles Pugh/AJC

Charlayne Hunter (first row, second from left) talks with a classmate during her Ethics in Journalism class on Jan. 11, 1961. AP

Charlayne Hunter is escorted to class by a university official in Athens on Jan. 16, 1961. Click here to read the 2001 AJC story marking the 40th anniversary of UGA's integration. Bill Young/AJC

Hamilton Holmes walks down the steps on his way to the Infirmary where he presented his credentials for clearance for entrance to the University of Georgia on Jan. 10, 1961. Charles Pugh/AJC

Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes arrive at the University of Georgia in January 1961. They were the school's first black students. Read AJC columnist Bill Torpy's story marking the 50th anniversary of UGA's integration. Charles Pugh/AJC

Hamilton Holmes has a heavy escort as he re-enters the University of Georgia. AP

While Charlayne Hunter, 18, awaits assignment of dormitory space by the University of Georgia dean of women, Hamilton Holmes, 19, peers through the door at newsmen on Jan. 9, 1961. AP

Hamilton E. Holmes (seated) with his father Alfred Holmes on Jam. 9, 1961, as Hamilton Holmes was seeking to be one of the first black students to enter the University of Georgia. AJC file.

Hamilton Holmes leaves the University of Georgia campus through the arches in January 1961, followed by attorney Donald Lee Hollowell (right). Dwight Ross Jr./AJC

Hamilton E. Holmes on Jan. 9, 1961, in Athens. AJC staff photo.

Charlayne Hunter on Jan. 12, 1961. Bill Young/AJC

Charlayne Hunter makes phone call on the University of Georgia campus on Jan. 9, 1961, as Hamilton Holmes waits for her. Charles Pugh/AJC

Surrounded by classmates and administrators, Hamilton Holmes begins classes at the University of Georgia on Jan. 11, 1961. Bill Young/AJC

Charlayne Hunter, left, prepares to leave one of her classes at the University of Georgia Jan. 11, 1961. AP

Charlayne Hunter resumes studies at the University of Georgia in January 1961. AP

Charlayne Hunter breakes down in tears and clutches a Madonna statuette after leaving the University of Georgia on Jan. 11, 1961. She would soon return. AP

Attorney Donald Lee Hollowell (left), Hamilton E. Holmes and Alfred Holmes, father of Hamilton Holmes, in Ahtnes on Jan. 9, 1961. AJC staff photo.

Charlayne Hunter is escorted from her dormitory at the University of Georgia by an unidentified official in this January 1961 photo following rioting outside her window. She was wisked away by state troopers and was later re-admitted to the school. AP

Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes was one of the first two black students to attend the University of Georgia. Here he is in his office with X-rays in August 1983. File photo.

A crowd of newsmen and students surround Charlayne Hunter, 18, and Hamilton Holmes, 19, as the two students arrived to register at the University of Georgia in Athens on Ja. 9, 1961. A federal judge ordered the two admitted to the 175 year old previously all-white state institution. Attorney Horace Ward (man wearing hat and carrying a briefcase) accompanies them. The man behind Hunter and Holmes is Ward's law partner, Vernon Jordan. AP

Hamilton Holmes heads to class at the University of Georgia in Athens on Jan. 16, 1961, accompanied by school officials. Charles Pugh/AJC

Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter examine diplomas awarded during the University of Georgia's 160th commencement in Athens on June 2, 1963. AP

Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter hug each other after diplomas were awarded during the University of Georgia's 160th commencement in Athens on June 2, 1963. AP

Hamilton Holmes Jr. and Sr. in 1986. The elder Holmes was one of the first black students to integrate the University of Georgia. His son started classes there on Sept. 22, 1986, some 25 years later. File photo.

Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes was one of the first two black students to attend the University of Georgia. Here he is in his office with X-rays in August 1983.

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Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes leave the University of Georgia campus after a trying day on Jan. 10, 1961. They had just completed the necessary qualifications for their entrance at the University of Georgia, where they would become the first black students at the school. Though both would graduate from UGA, they weren't the first to do that. That honor belongs to graduate student Mary Frances Early. You can read her story here. Charles Pugh/AJC

By Eric Stirgus

Jan 8, 2021

January marks the 60th anniversary of desegregation at the University of Georgia.

The university, to some resistance, enrolled its first two African American students: Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton E. Holmes on Jan. 9, 1961.

Hunter, who later married and is now known as Charlayne Hunter-Gault is became a renowned journalist and civil rights activist. Holmes became an orthopedic surgeon and associate dean of Emory University’s medical school before his death in 1995.

The school has scheduled a host of events you can find here.

Coming Sunday in the AJC: An indepth look at the events of 1961 from a perspective of 60 years, including how it changed UGA then and how the university is continuing to increase its diversity. The stories willl appear in print editions and the ePaper Sunday as well as on ajc.com.

Read the stories online

University of Georgia marks 60th anniversary of desegregation

Charlayne Hunter-Gault reflects on her past, present, future UGA ties

Timeline: Milestones in UGA history for Black students, faculty

About the Author

Eric Stirgus

Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.

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UGA to mark 60th anniversary of desegregation

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