Spring Break
Black History Fact of the Day
Issue date: 2/7/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Wednesday, February 7th:
On Jan. 11, 1961, Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes were the first black students to attend classes at the University.
Although students reacted peacefully during the day, a riot broke out after a basketball game outside of Myers Hall where Hunter lived.
The angry mob carried a banner with racial slurs, started fires and threw bricks at the building.
University administrators temporarily withdrew Hunter and Holmes for their own safety.
- Compiled by Krista Derbecker
Tuesday, February 6th:
Born in Athens on Feb. 3, 1875, Samuel F. Harris became the first black educator in the then-Clarke County.
Harris helped create the foundation for the local public school system, and with Harris as principal in 1922, Athens High and Industrial School became the first accredited black public secondary school in the state.
Harris also grew the industrial and agricultural training programs in Athens.
- Compiled by Krista Derbecker
Monday, February 5th:
Monroe Bowers "Pink" Morton, born in 1856 to a slave woman and wealthy white man, became a prominent figure in developing Athens.
In addition to being the second black man to hold the position of the Athens postmaster, Morton constructed many buildings downtown, including the Morton Building and Theatre, a popular venue for entertainment performances, state meetings and graduations.
The Morton Theatre burned in 1944, but was renovated into a performing arts locale in the 1990s.
- Compiled by Krista Derbecker
On Jan. 11, 1961, Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes were the first black students to attend classes at the University.
Although students reacted peacefully during the day, a riot broke out after a basketball game outside of Myers Hall where Hunter lived.
The angry mob carried a banner with racial slurs, started fires and threw bricks at the building.
University administrators temporarily withdrew Hunter and Holmes for their own safety.
- Compiled by Krista Derbecker
Tuesday, February 6th:
Born in Athens on Feb. 3, 1875, Samuel F. Harris became the first black educator in the then-Clarke County.
Harris helped create the foundation for the local public school system, and with Harris as principal in 1922, Athens High and Industrial School became the first accredited black public secondary school in the state.
Harris also grew the industrial and agricultural training programs in Athens.
- Compiled by Krista Derbecker
Monday, February 5th:
Monroe Bowers "Pink" Morton, born in 1856 to a slave woman and wealthy white man, became a prominent figure in developing Athens.
In addition to being the second black man to hold the position of the Athens postmaster, Morton constructed many buildings downtown, including the Morton Building and Theatre, a popular venue for entertainment performances, state meetings and graduations.
The Morton Theatre burned in 1944, but was renovated into a performing arts locale in the 1990s.
- Compiled by Krista Derbecker
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