Preview
Source Collection
Commercial Appeal newspaper morgue, Special Collections Department, University of Memphis Libraries
Identifier
sc.0452.01.0025a_006.012
Description
Following the rejection of their application to enroll at Memphis State College in June 1954, five African American students sued the Tennessee Board of Education and Memphis State College. At the Federal Court in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 17, 1955, are (l-r): Quill Cooper (Tennessee Commissioner of Education), J. Millard Smith (Memphis State College President), and R.P. Clark (Memphis State College Registrar). The court upheld the gradual desegregation plan drawn up by the State Board of Education which would start with graduate students in 1955-1956 and only reach freshmen in 1959-1960. The first African American students were admitted to Memphis State University in 1959.
Date Created
6-21-2021
Date
1955 October 17
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Recommended Citation
"Memphis State College integration suit, 1955" (2021). University of Memphis. 42.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-commercialappeal1/42
Keywords
Memphis State College., University of Memphis., College integration--Tennessee--Memphis., Segregation--Tennessee--Memphis.
Archival Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2026, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. This material is part of a digital archival collection and is not utilized for current University instruction, programs, or active public communication. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.
