Texas State celebrates 60 years of desegregation with series of events

Portrait of four of the first five African American women to enroll at Southwest Texas State College (SWT), Registrar’s Office, Feburary 4, 1963

Texas State University marks 60 years of desegregation on Feb. 4, a major milestone brought about by the courage of five African American women determined to overcome the systemic discrimination inherent in higher education of the era.

“This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of desegregation at Texas State,” said Texas State President Kelly Damphousse. “In 1963, the university enrolled its first Black students. On the west side of campus sits First Five Freedom Hall, named in honour of the five courageous Black women who – against great odds – made history in the pursuit of an education.

“We are fortunate that today our community is rich in diversity. It’s a great privilege and responsibility,” he said. “We must empower each and every voice and ensure everyone is heard.”

In 1962, Dana Jean Smith, an 18-year-old Black woman, applied for admission to what was then called Southwest Texas State College. A graduate of Austin’s Anderson High School, Smith was academically qualified to enroll in the college. President John G. Flowers, in a letter dated June 22, 1962, said Smith’s application was rejected because of the whites-only provision in the charter establishing the college. He also informed her that only an act of the state Legislature or a court order would make it possible for Smith and other Black students to be admitted. 

Smith refused to take no for an answer. Represented by lawyer J. Phillip Crawford, they initiated a class-action lawsuit on behalf of all qualified Black students.

The suit was victorious. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, 1963, U.S. District Judge Ben H. Rice Jr. signed the court order that ended segregation at SWT. By 3:15 that afternoon, Smith and three other black women from San Marcos, Georgia Faye Hoodye, Gloria Odoms and Mabeleen Washington, had registered for classes. The following day, Helen Jackson, another Black student enrolled.

In 2021, Texas State honored these women by renaming Angelina Hall on the San Marcos Campus “First Five Freedom Hall.”

The First Five − Dana Jean Smith, Helen Jackson Franks, Georgia Hoodye Cheatham, Gloria Odoms Powell, and Mabeleen Washington– were honored during a special tribute on May 1, 2014 at the LBJ Student Center.

The Coalition of Black Faculty and Staff will host several events marking the anniversary as well as Black History Month. At 7 p.m. on Feb. 22 “Living Legends: Where are they now?” will be held in the LBJ Teaching Theater. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear “HER-Story” as told by the First Five Freedom Women (both in person and virtual appearances) who helped integrate Texas State 60 years ago. Each of these women have personal stories and will share how it all happened and where they are now. The event will also feature live performances by singing groups, dance ensembles and spoken word. 

“Celebrating 60 Years of An African American Presence” will be held 12:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the LBJ Student Center highlighting historic Black “firsts” at Texas State. Attendees will join in celebrating the progress of desegregation and hear from some African American legends who left their legacy at the university by being trailblazers. Speakers include Jonnie Wilson, the first Black woman to receive the LBJ Outstanding Senior Award (1993). Their legacies have contributed to paving the way for the continuous success of African Americans.

The Division of Inclusive Excellence will host an additional event celebrating the 60th anniversary of desegregation in April.

The 60th anniversary of desegregation is the culmination of an academic year brimming with significant milestones of Black history. On Sept. 18, 2022, the Xi Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity celebrated its 50th anniversary on the Texas State Campus. Xi Delta is the first Black Greek organization chartered on campus, a singular distinction. In the decades since its founding, Xi Delta has built a legacy of leadership and community service work.

On Feb. 24, the fraternity will host a reception event in the Castro Legacy Club at the University Events Center for university, fraternity and sorority leaders. The event will be an opportunity for all Divine Nine and multi-cultural organizations to be recognized for their unique contributions to campus life and influencing the culture of Texas State. The Xi Delta Alumni Foundation will present a $50,000 check to launch its endowed scholarship fund that will benefit Texas State students who are in financial need.

The Iota Omega chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority will celebrate its 50 year anniversary at Texas State on April 14 and Sigma Gamma Rho sorority celebrated its 100th anniversary as a national organization on Nov. 12, 2022.

The Texas State National Pan-Hellenic Council will host the first “Hump Day” of the semester on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. on the LBJ Mall. The event will include a roll call of the Divine Nine organizations, a moment to acknowledge notable members as well as an interactive crowd participation series of line dances associated Black culture.  

The Black Student Alliance (BSA), a chartered student organization that serves as an advocate for Black/African students and as ally to all other underrepresented voices on campus, will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Texas State on Feb. 13.

The BSA commits itself to uplifting and empowering its community and creating a safe space and the opportunity to create positive change. The BSA works to expose all students, faculty and staff of Texas State to new ideas and experiences to create positive change.