Autherine Lucy

Autherine Juanita Lucy (October 5, 1929 – March 2, 2022) was an American activist and academic. She was the first African-American student to attend the University of Alabama, in 1956.[1]

Autherine Lucy
Autherine Lucy (cropped).jpg
Lucy in 1955
Born
Autherine Juanita Lucy

(1929-10-05)October 5, 1929
DiedMarch 2, 2022(2022-03-02) (aged 92)
Education
OccupationEducator, professor
Years active1956–2022
Known forFirst African-American student to attend the University of Alabama, 1956
RelativesNikema Williams (grandniece)

Lucy was expelled from the institution later that year and led to the university's President Oliver Carmichael's resignation.[2] Years later, the University admitted her as a master's student.

Lucy died on March 2, 2022, at the age of 92.[3] Her grandniece, Nikema Williams, is a member of the United States House of Representatives.[4]

References

  1. Civil rights pioneer Vivian Jones dies. 2005-10-13. https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-10-13-jonesobit_x.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-23. 
  2. "Expelled in 1956, Autherine Lucy Foster Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of Alabama". www.apr.org. Associated Press. 6 May 2019. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
  3. "Autherine Lucy Foster, UA's first Black student, has died". WSFA. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  4. Edwards, Breanna (December 6, 2019). "Georgia State Sen. Nikema Williams On Continuing The Legacy Of The Civil Rights Movement". Essence. https://www.essence.com/news/georgia-state-sen-nikema-williams-on-continuing-the-legacy-of-the-civil-rights-movement. Retrieved July 20, 2020.