Browse the Collection

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Anonymous responses to a questionnaire distributed to Centre College faculty January 24, 1949, the stated purpose of which was "to try an determine how faculty members feel about the problem of American minorities."

Ollie Lee Taylor wrote a letter to express his appreciation to everyone who helped participate in the fight against discrimination in the local barbershops. He also wrote about the work that still needed to be done which included holding Danville accountable and continuing to push for change in other areas within the community

Opinion piece regarding the picketing of segregated barbershops. Also commends student Ollie Taylor’s campaign, as well as pointing out that Centre should be an example for Danville as to what integration looks like. Includes corresponding cartoon.

Centre College students dancing at the 1964 Homecoming dance, with Grammy-nominated Hank Ballard and the Midnighters performing. The 1964-65 school year was the first offical year of racial integration for the College.

Editorial cartoon celebrating the East District Federal Court order invalidating a section of Kentucky law that allowed Danville barbershops to discriminate against African American customers

Explains the next steps in the lawsuit filed against the barbers in Danville that refused to cut black hair. The article emphasizes how students were determined to find a solution to put an end to segregation, even if the case was not ruled in their favor

The article explains how the judge ordered the barbers to integrate. Centre’s Dean expressed his excitement. There appears to be a positive reaction from faculty and staff members which may represent the attitudes of the leadership at this time.

Letter from Conway Boatman to Walter A. Groves regarding Union College's policy on race

Letter from H. Leo Eddleman to Walter A. Groves regarding Georgetown College's policy on race

Letter from President Groves, dated May 12, 1950, to the B.O.T. in which Groves entreats the Board to "give very careful consideration to the course they deem best to follow in the question of whether or not the college should open its doors to Negro students." Groves references Senate Bill No. 100, states his own desire to integrate the College slowly, and references the American minorities faculty questionnaire distributed in January 1949, the results of which showed a majority of faculty respondents in favor of desegregation

Letter from Z. T. Johnson to Walter A. Groves regarding Asbury College's policy on race

Letter from Ms. Martha D. Simpson of Danville, KY, dated July 17, 1954, to the Centre College Office of the Dean, requesting a college catalog and application for admission

Letter from Centre College Dean Jameson M. Jones to Ms. Martha D. Simpson, dated July 21, 1954, in which he rejects her application for admission to Centre College based upon the fact that Ms. Simpson was a graduate of Bate High School, an all-black school in Danville, and therefore assumed to be a person of color and thus not eligible for admission

Video interview with Gordon Benning, class of 1970. and his wife, Pat Benning. Mr. Benning enrolled at Centre College in 1966, just two years after the College officially integrated in 1964. Mrs. Benning, is a Danville, Ky. native, and the two dated while Mr. Benning attended Centre.