George Maclaurin
You’ve probably heard of George McLaurin. Born on September 16, 1887 and died on December 4, 1986, he was the first black man of African descent to be admitted to an American university in 1948 at the age of 71 to pursue his doctorate in school administration.
”« Certains collègues me regardaient comme si j’étais un animal, personne ne me donnait un mot, les professeurs ne semblaient même pas être là pour moi, et ils ne prenaient pas toujours mes questions quand je leur demandais. »
McLaurin
The Story of George McLaurin
George McLaurin was separated from his white classmates in the library and forced to sit in a corner away from the white students.
“Some of my colleagues looked at me like I was an animal, no one would give me a word, the professors didn’t even seem to be there for me, and they didn’t always take my questions when I asked them.” McLaurin recounts
Exceptionally intelligent, George was one of the best students at the University of Oklahoma. His analytical skills and determination caused his professors to gradually take his questions and remarks seriously. George McLaurin is considered, to this day, one of the best students at the university.
In 1948, George McLaurin applied to the University of Oklahoma. His application was rejected but was accepted on September 29, 1948 by legal act.
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States
The end of the American Civil War in 1865 effectively marked the end of slavery. However, African-Americans had a long fight ahead of them to obtain all their rights.
From 1870 on, every male citizen had the right to vote. However, blacks were discouraged from doing so for fear of repercussions. In 1896, the Supreme Court decided to maintain racial segregation in private businesses, universities and schools. This meant that blacks were treated as second-class citizens.
The American civil rights movement emerged in the 1960s.
It all began in the spring of 1963 when Asa Philip Randolph, a leader of the civil rights movement, planned to organize a march to the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., for the employment of black people.
“Black people want the same thing that white people have: all their rights. They want equality in every way, social, political and economic equality,” he said.
Martin Luther King also teamed up with Asa Philip Randolph to organize a freedom rally. In 1963, they met with President Kennedy who agreed to support their project.
On July 3, 1964 and in the presence of Martin Luther King, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act.
Racial discrimination was thus officially made illegal.
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States
The end of the American Civil War in 1865 effectively marked the end of slavery. However, African-Americans had a long fight ahead of them to obtain all their rights.
From 1870 on, every male citizen had the right to vote. However, blacks were discouraged from doing so for fear of repercussions. In 1896, the Supreme Court decided to maintain racial segregation in private businesses, universities and schools. This meant that blacks were treated as second-class citizens.
The American civil rights movement emerged in the 1960s.
It all began in the spring of 1963 when Asa Philip Randolph, a leader of the civil rights movement, planned to organize a march to the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., for the employment of black people.
“Black people want the same thing that white people have: all their rights. They want equality in every way, social, political and economic equality,” he said.
Martin Luther King also teamed up with Asa Philip Randolph to organize a freedom rally. In 1963, they met with President Kennedy who agreed to support their project.
On July 3, 1964 and in the presence of Martin Luther King, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act.
Racial discrimination was thus officially made illegal.
