UF commemorates its first African-American graduates

February 17, 2009

Fifty years after the University of Florida began integration in September 1958, 20 of the first African-American graduates were formally recognized by a university forever imprinted by their legacy.

A special weekend dedicated to “the firsts” commenced on Friday, Feb. 6, with opera singer Denyce Graves’ performance at the Phillips Center.

“I am flattered, and it’s a tremendous honor for me to be a part of UF’s 50th Commemoration of Integration. I’m here because of those that came before me,” Graves said.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, more than 250 guests attended “Celebrating the Firsts,” a gala at Emerson Alumni Hall honoring the earliest-known African-American graduates from UF’s various colleges.

The event, organized by University Relations and a 17-member committee of UF professionals and community members, was the culmination of events held during the past year.

Black silk fabric dressed the tables and chairs in the President’s Ballroom, and metallic gold candles and flowers adorned the tables.

The 2009 Black Student Union Leadership Council opened the program with “We Speak Your Names,” a song/poem recognizing the honorees.

Joe Glover, UF provost, greeted guests and thanked the firsts for their courage. “We are not celebrating the university’s achievement, we are celebrating your achievement,” he said.

UF Trustee J. Courtney Cunningham, emcee, presented the honorees with a framed photograph of a personalized, commemorative brick. The bricks will be placed at UF’s Commemorative Circle, located across from the Plaza of the Americas and surrounding the alligator statue.

Family members or friends accepted the plaques for two deceased honorees, as well as two others not in attendance. Three of the firsts could not be located, but their yearbook photos were shown on a slideshow as their names were announced.

Cunningham offered his personal gratitude to the honorees. “These students had to be strong – prospects for future students like myself rested on their shoulders,” he said.

UF Historian Carl Van Ness spoke briefly during the program and clarified UF’s record of first African-American graduates.

“No list of all initial black students exists,” Van Ness said. Racial identity was not entered into UF’s official records. The university’s current list was compiled from both official and unofficial sources.

After dinner, Michael Blachly, director of UF Performing Arts, introduced the evening’s performers. Singers Elizabeth Graham and Anthonio Canty were accompanied by pianist Kevin Sharpe.

Blachly later said in an interview, “These pioneers (honorees) make it possible for our community to experience many of the greatest performing artists the world has to offer.”

One of several deans who attended the gala was Chris Silver of the College of Design, Construction and Planning. After the program Silver said, “This really hit home for me.”

Silver was reminded of his mid-1960s high school experience in Biloxi, Miss. “Black students were bused in, and I witnessed daily the bravery they needed to survive in such a hostile environment.”

The first College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Gerald Johnson, said after the gala that he was thankful to be honored and to meet other honorees. “UF gave me the ability to live out my dream every day,” he said.

Johnson was proud his daughter could attend, he said.

“My daughter will never forget this,” Johnson said.