UA’s Desegregation: 60 Years Later
Inspired by Their Courage and Persistence
The University of Alabama is marking the 60th anniversary of its desegregation with a series of events during 2023-2024. Events began Sunday, June 11, and continued Monday, June 12, with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion showing the documentary “Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment,” followed by a discussion. The film by Robert Drew captures the events of June 11, 1963, by following President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Gov. George C. Wallace, and students Vivian Malone and James Hood as the crisis unfolds. More events will be announced later for the coming academic year.
Read more about the history of UA’s desegregation.
As people gathered for the documentary and discussion, Dr. Amir Zaheri played songs of unity, peace and liberation on the Denny Chimes.
UA President Stuart R. Bell gives remarks at the documentary screening.
The documentary screening was open to the community.
UA junior Quiana Morris sings “If I Can Help Somebody,” one of Vivian Malone Jones’s favorite songs.
Dr. John Giggie, director of the UA Summersell Center for the Study of the South, gives an overview of the events of 1963.
The documentary shows President John F. Kennedy at his news conference on the evening of June 11, 1963.
Dr. G. Christine Taylor, vice president and associate provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, gives remarks.
The documentary follows students Vivian Malone and James Hood leading up to their enrollment at UA.
Dr. Charles Nash, vice chancellor emeritus for The UA System, and UA history professor Dr. Giggie lead a discussion following the documentary.
Audience members watch as Vivian Malone and James Hood are allowed to enroll at UA.
The original doors to Foster Auditorium were on display in the lobby of the auditorium for guests to view and photograph.
UA students, faculty and staff view the documentary.
On Sunday, June 11, UA DEI and the UA Black Alumni Association held an observance honoring Jones and Hood for their courage and commitment.
An audience member who attended UA in the 1960s participates in the documentary discussion.
Family members of Vivian Malone Jones attend the documentary screening.
The speaker for the observance was the Rev. Darren Allen, a UA alumnus.
The UA Black Alumni Association laid wreaths at the Malone-Hood Plaza in honor of Vivian Malone Jones and James Hood.
More events are being planned to commemorate the 60th anniversary during the 2023-2024 academic year, and they will be announced later.