ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – On April 6, 1964, then-Winthrop President Charles S. Davis wrote to the Board of Trustees that three Black women had applied to the institution. President Davis noted one of the women had not only met Winthrop’s requirements – she had far exceeded them.
With Davis’ encouragement, trustees voted unanimously to admit that applicant…and integration began.
Now, 60 years later to the day of President Davis’ letter, the Winthrop Black Alumni Council, the Association of Ebonites and the African American Studies minor will host “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” a celebration honoring the Black pioneers who integrated the university and created a legacy for alumni and current students. The event will be Saturday, April 6, from 4-6 p.m. in the Richardson Ballroom. Formal attire is required. Event tickets are $50, or free for students.
The event will feature a keynote address by S.C. Rep. Kambrell Garvin ’13, and honorees include Winthrop’s Firsts: Delores Johnson Hurt ’68, the late Arnetta Gladden Mackey ’67, Cynthia Plair Roddey ’67 and Sue Frances Meriwether Steed ’67.
Additional events, including a special exhibit by the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections, will happen later this fall.
“Integration was a pivotal time in Winthrop’s history. The experiences of these women, who bravely broke down barriers in order to have access to equal opportunity and education, paved the way for students of color that followed in their footsteps,” said President Edward Serna ’02. “We look forward to celebrating these women, and commemorating this historic milestone, with an exhibit and events throughout the year.”
Website Launched to Share Integration History
Winthrop is proud to unveil a website that commemorates the 60th anniversary of integration. The website explores the history of integration on campus, provides insight into Winthrop’s trailblazers, features multimedia galleries complete with photo albums and video interviews with Winthrop’s Firsts, presents integration-related giving opportunities, and more.
For more information, contact Nicole Chisari, communications coordinator, at 803/323-2403 or chisarin@winthrop.edu.
