First African American Students

In 1952 two of four students who had filed suit to gain admission to graduate and professional schools enrolled. Gene Mitchell Gray entered in the winter quarter as a graduate student in chemistry (although he took only undergraduate courses), and Lincoln Blakeney enrolled in the Law School. Blakeney, age 30 and former YMCA secretary who was then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, enrolled in the spring quarter. He stayed one quarter. African Americans were admitted to the on-campus undergraduate program in January 1961.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Title First African American Students
  • Author
  • Keywords First African American Students
  • Website Name Volopedia
  • Publisher University of Tennessee Libraries
  • URL
  • Access Date July 22, 2025
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 7, 2018