#vivianmalone

#OnThisDay in 1965, Vivian Malone becomes the first African American graduate of the University of Alabama. In 1963, Malone and John Hood became the first African Americans to enroll at the University of Alabama. On registration day, Governor George Wallace blocked the door—planning to prevent their entry and uphold his promise of “Segregation now, segregation today, segregation forever.” President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 11111, federalizing the National Guard to command Wallace step aside. Malone graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in business management.