[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTEGRATION OF THE 
                         UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2013

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
50th Anniversary of the integration of the University of Alabama in 
Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
   This weekend, a bi-partisan congressional delegation led by 
Representative John Lewis (D-GA) will travel to Alabama as a part of 
the 13th annual Faith & Politics Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage. 
I have the great pleasure of co-hosting the delegation with my fellow 
Alabama colleagues Representatives Spencer Bachus (R-AL) and Martha 
Roby (R-AL). The Pilgramage allows participants to retrace the steps of 
our nation's Civil Rights icons through the historic civil rights sites 
in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma. It is also a time to 
reflect on our painful past while acknowledging our current progress.
   This year marks the 50th Anniversary of so many significant civil 
rights events that occurred in 1963. One of those events was the 
infamous stand taken by then Governor Wallace at the doors of the 
University of Alabama to prevent black students from registering. The 
University of Alabama has come a long way since that infamous day to 
promote racial diversity within its student body, faculty, and 
administration.
   Today, I pay special tribute to the University of Alabama and 
commemorate the 50th anniversary of a pivotal event in the struggle for 
racial equality in America. I believe it is important that we must 
acknowledge our painful past and frame its significance in the global 
fight for civil and human rights. The history of the State of Alabama 
must be embraced for the critical role it played in the Civil Rights 
Movement which caused a global movement for the quest of human dignity 
and rights around the world. We, in the 7th Congressional District of 
Alabama, pay tribute to the University of Alabama, one of the crown 
jewels of higher education in our district, and honor the courage of 
the black students--Autherine Lucy, James Hood, and Vivian Malone--who 
paved the way for the multitude of successes the University enjoys 
today.
   On June 11, 1963, two African-Americans, James Hood and Vivian 
Malone attempted to enroll at the University of Alabama. Prior to their 
attempts, only one African-American, Autherine Lucy, had been 
successful in registering and actually attending classes at the 
institution.
   In 1957, Autherine Lucy and Polly Anne Myers filed suit against the 
University to clarify their rights and obtain an injunction after being 
denied admission based on race. The injunction was granted and Ms. Lucy 
was eventually admitted to the University. She became the first 
African-American to attend a white public school or university in the 
State of Alabama. However, she was unfairly expelled after just three 
days when the University suggested that her presence was a nuisance to 
the campus because they could not provide a safe environment for the 
young student.
   In 1963, pursuant to the same injunction, James Hood and Vivian 
Malone made a second attempt to fully integrate the University. Upon 
their arrival to the Tuscaloosa campus, former Alabama Governor George 
Wallace attempted to block Hood and Malone from entering Foster 
Auditorium to register for classes. As the world watched, Governor 
Wallace's attempts to prevent integration of the University of Alabama 
were recorded in our Nation's history as ``The Stand in the Schoolhouse 
Door.'' Governor Wallace was determined to defend his now infamous 
declaration: ``Segregation Now, Segregation Tomorrow, and Segregation 
Forever.'' But his efforts to halt progress were short lived. Later 
that day, Hood and Malone with the support of a federal court order and 
members of the Alabama National Guard, were eventually allowed to 
register for classes and pursue their degrees. They are forever 
recorded in our nation's history as two of the first African-American 
students to attend the University. Vivian Malone was the first African-
American to graduate from the University of Alabama and James Hood 
later received his doctorate from the University.
   Today, ``The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door'' is remembered as a 
pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. As we commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of this historic event, we recognize its significance in 
the quest for justice and equality. While there were dark moments, the 
events of that day are now seen as a catalyst on our road to forming a 
more perfect union.
   Today, the University of Alabama stands as a beacon of inspiration. 
The diversity represented in today's student body is a visible reminder 
of the sacrifices of Autherine Lucy, James Hood and Vivian Malone. 
Because of their bravery and courage, the University of Alabama now 
boast a widely diverse student body, an outstanding academic curriculum 
and a world class athletic program. Today, the University of Alabama is 
ably led by its first woman President, Dr. Judy Bonner. We recently 
celebrated having the number one collegiate team in four NCAA sports--
including women's gymnastics and football being named the BCS National 
Champions for the second year in row.
   As a benefactor of the courageous contributions of Autherine Lucy, 
James Hood and Vivian Malone, I am humbled by the opportunities their 
bravery has afforded all black Alabamians. As Alabama's first African-
American Congresswoman, I know that my journey would not be possible 
without their sacrifices.
   On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama 
and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
the University of Alabama and its important place in our nation's 
history.
   Roll Tide!

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