Two upcoming events at Mississippi University for Women will feature ongoing research in the university’s preparations to commemorate 50 years of racial integration next year.
In 1966, Laverne Greene, Diane Hardy and Barbara Turner, graduates of R. E. Hunt High School in Columbus, became the first African-American freshman students at The W. That same year, three teachers at Hunt, Jaqueline Edith Edwards, Mary L. Flowers and Eula Mae Houser, enrolled in graduate or continuing education courses.
On Thursday, Sept. 24, as part of the Ina E. Gordy Honors College Forum Series, student history interns, under the guidance of history professor Erin Kempker, will present their findings on the integration of The W based on their research in the university archives.
According to Tamara Rutledge, a senior in the Honors College and one of the history interns, “We need to recognize those who haven’t historically had the chance to tell their stories. This research is a way of treating them with respect and giving them their voices back.”
Free for the public, the students’ presentation begins at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium. For more information, contact the Honors College at (662) 241-6850.
On Friday, Sept. 25, the Department of Theatre will feature “In Their Own Words,” a Reader’s Theatre presentation based on the oral histories of Greene, Hardy and Susie Shelton, who enrolled at The W in 1969 and was an early member of the Coretta Social Club.
Performed by current members of the department, the play will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:45. Admission is free. For more information, call the Department of Theatre at 662-329-7353.
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