Gregory Hayes Swanson: Difference between revisions

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==Historic marker==
==Historic marker==
A Virginia historic marker was unveiled outside the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library's Central Branch on [[May 19]], [[2022]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=JMRL unveils new historical marker of Swanson vs. UVA case|url=https://www.nbc29.com/2022/05/19/jmrl-unveils-new-historical-marker-swanson-vs-uva-case/|author=Dryden Quigley|work=News Article|publisher=WVIR NBC29|location=|publishdate=May 19, 2022|accessdate=May 20, 2022}}</ref>
On [[May 19]], [[2022]], a Virginia historic marker was unveiled outside the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library's Central Branch at [[201 E. Market Street]].<ref>{{cite web|title=JMRL unveils new historical marker of Swanson vs. UVA case|url=https://www.nbc29.com/2022/05/19/jmrl-unveils-new-historical-marker-swanson-vs-uva-case/|author=Dryden Quigley|work=News Article|publisher=WVIR NBC29|location=|publishdate=May 19, 2022|accessdate=May 20, 2022}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 16:36, 20 May 2022

Gregory Hayes Swanson was the first Black student admitted to the University of Virginia.


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History

A Howard University graduate, Gregory Swanson applied to the University of Virginia's Law School in 1949. With excellent academic credentials, Swanson was an ideal candidate. Polling of students suggested that there was not a strong sentiment against enrolling an African-American and Attorney General James Lindsay Almond, Jr. advised the Board of Visitors that the applicant's race would not be suitable grounds with which to reject his application. The Visitors, citing segregation laws that were established by the Constitution as well as the State of Virginia, rejected Swanson based on race. Swanson then sued for admission and won on appeal, gaining admission in 1950.[1]

As the first African-American at UVA, Swanson faced many difficulties, including being forced to live off-grounds and social exclusion. In 1951 he withdrew from the University.[2] Following his departure from UVA Hayes practiced law in Martinsville and Alexandria. In 1961, he joined the legal staff of the IRS, remaining there until his retirement in 1984. He died in 1992. [1]

Historic marker

On May 19, 2022, a Virginia historic marker was unveiled outside the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library's Central Branch at 201 E. Market Street.[3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Web. Gregory Swanson, First African-American Admitted to UVA, University of Virginia, retrieved June 19, 2012.
  2. Web. The Road to Desegregation: Jackson, NAACP, and Swanson, University of Virginia, retrieved June 19, 2012.
  3. Web. JMRL unveils new historical marker of Swanson vs. UVA case, Dryden Quigley, News Article, WVIR NBC29, May 19, 2022, retrieved May 20, 2022.