Browse the Collection

Reporting on the Advisory Board meeting, during which was discussed, among other things (including the Yerkes lounge to be used by the BSU), the incident involving the Dekes wearing white sheets at the BSU basketball game, and ensuing confrontation between Dekes and members of the BSU at Cowan which resulted in a member of the Deke fraternity being injured after being struck by a glass by a member of the BSU.

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.

Report on the Bluegrass Barbershop moving from South Third Street to West Walnut Street. Barber Lester Tarter contends he was forced out. Comments from barber Either O. Richardson contending that he would lose white customers if he integrated his shop

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.

Video interview with Jim Davis, one of the first three African Americans to attend Centre College. Mr. Davis enrolled at Centre College in the fall of 1964 as the only African American male. He graduated in 1968.

Written transcription of the oral history interview with Jim Davis, one of the first three African Americans to attend Centre College. Mr. Davis enrolled at Centre College in the fall of 1964 as the only African American male. He graduated in 1968.