African Americans At Vanderbilt: A History Of Struggle

In 1953, Joseph Johnson became the first African American student to attend Vanderbilt University, marking a pivotal moment in the university's history and setting in motion a decade of change from 1954 to 1964. Johnson's admission, amidst a tumultuous period of civil rights struggles, signalled Vanderbilt's gradual integration and transformation. Despite opposition, African American students began to enrol at Vanderbilt, with Frederick T. Work and Edward Melvin Porter becoming the first African Americans admitted to the university's law school in 1956. In 1964, Vanderbilt welcomed its first class of black undergraduates, comprising eight courageous students who played a pivotal role in shaping the university's future. Today, Vanderbilt is recognised as a top university for African American students, with notable alumni continuing to make their mark on campus and in society.

Vanderbilt University's first African American student

In 1953, Vanderbilt University became the first privately endowed university in the Southeast to breach the racial barrier in its admission policy. That year, Rev. Joseph A. Johnson, a 39-year-old married father and pastor, became the first African American student to be admitted to the university. Johnson entered Vanderbilt as a special student in the School of Religion, with the goal of pursuing a Ph.D. in theology.

Johnson's acceptance to Vanderbilt by then-Chancellor Harvey Branscomb and the Board of Trust signalled a significant step towards change and inclusion. Johnson's admission to the university was not without opposition, however. While some celebrated his acceptance, others believed that it was "one of the greatest mistakes ever made in the history of Vanderbilt University".

Despite the controversy, Johnson persevered in his studies and earned a bachelor of divinity degree in 1954, becoming the first African American to graduate from Vanderbilt University. He went on to complete four years of graduate study and received his Ph.D. in 1958, making him the first African American to earn a doctorate at the university. Johnson's dissertation was on "Christianity and Atonement in the Fourth Gospel".

Johnson's academic career extended beyond his time as a student at Vanderbilt. He previously earned a bachelor's degree at Texas College and a doctorate at the Iliff School of Theology. After graduating from Vanderbilt, he served as a professor of religion at Fisk University and a professor of New Testament at the Interdenominational Theological Center. In 1966, Johnson was elected as the 34th bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1971, he joined the Vanderbilt Board of Trust. Johnson's contributions to the university and its community were honoured through the establishment of the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center at Vanderbilt, which was dedicated in his memory in 1984.

The university's ranking as a top school for African Americans

In 1953, Joseph Johnson became the first Black student to attend Vanderbilt University, a private institution founded in 1873. Johnson's admission to the university was a courageous step forward, signalling a change in the tide of racial segregation in public universities.

Vanderbilt University has since been recognised for its diversity and inclusivity, ranking 24th on the Essence-Money magazine list of the best schools for African Americans. This ranking considered graduation rates, affordability, and the earnings potential of graduates. With an 89% graduation rate for African American students, compared to the overall Black student graduation rate of 40.8%African American and Diaspora Studies (AADS) department further underscores its dedication to the African American community. AADS offers an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural examination of the lived experiences of Black individuals worldwide, dispersed from the continent of Africa. The curriculum explores histories, politics, economies, social worlds, literature, music, and visual cultures of African descent people across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.

Vanderbilt's dynamic and enlightening academic offerings extend beyond the AADS department, with 10 schools and colleges covering disciplines from the humanities to music to engineering. The university also boasts highly ranked graduate programs, including the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, the Owen Graduate School of Management, and the School of Engineering, among others.

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University provides a vibrant campus life with over 20% of students participating in Greek organisations. The university encourages students to explore a multitude of perspectives, both inside and outside the classroom, with more than 40% of students taking advantage of study abroad programs in over 35 countries.

The first African American undergraduates

In 1964, Vanderbilt University admitted its first class of black undergraduates. Robert J. Moore, Dorothy Wingfield Phillips, Diann White Bernstein, Maxie Collier, Earl LeDet, Norman Bonner, and Randolph Bradford were the first African American undergraduates to attend the university.

Dorothy Wingfield Phillips was the first black woman to receive an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt. She was the daughter of a Baptist minister and grew up in an activist family. Phillips recalled her time at Vanderbilt as "a difficult but ultimately rewarding experience". She said, "I learned about myself and what I can do against obstacles".

Diann White Bernstein, one of ten children, was the first in her family to go to college. She attended Vanderbilt on a Ford Foundation Scholarship and recalled feeling supported by her roommates and some of the other white students.

Maxie Collier transferred to Vanderbilt in 1965 from Tennessee State to study chemistry. He went on to become Baltimore's first African-American health commissioner and an early advocate for needle-exchange programs to prevent the spread of AIDS.

Earl LeDet served in the U.S. Army and received an Honourable Discharge in 1970. After graduating from Vanderbilt, he continued his studies, earning a Master of Science and Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971 and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the University of Delaware in 1981. His professional career included work at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New Jersey and John's Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland.

Robert J. Moore, who was one of the first African American students to attend Vanderbilt University, described his experience as "challenging, often lonely, ultimately rewarding". He became president of the Afro-American Student Association, an organisation founded by black students in 1967 to provide mutual support and problem-solving.

In 1964, Vanderbilt's first class of black undergraduates helped pave the way for the university we know today. These students experienced loneliness and academic challenges, but they overcame them and helped forge and strengthen a proud legacy.

African American students' experiences at the university

In 1953, Joseph Johnson became the first African American student to attend Vanderbilt University. Johnson was a 39-year-old married father and pastor who wished to pursue a Ph.D. in theology. Johnson's admission to the university was an exceptional step, signalling change and courage. Johnson earned a bachelor of divinity degree in 1954 and a Ph.D. in 1958, becoming the first African American to earn a doctorate at Vanderbilt University.

In the years following Johnson's admission and graduation, Vanderbilt periodically admitted other African American students. However, it was not until 1964 that the university admitted its first class of black undergraduates. These early African American undergraduates—Robert J. Moore, Dorothy Wingfield Phillips, Diann White Bernstein, Maxie Collier, Earl LeDet, Norman Bonner, and Randolph Bradford—faced academic and social challenges, often feeling lonely as they navigated their way through a predominantly white institution.

Despite these difficulties, they persevered and helped pave the way for future African American students at Vanderbilt. Chancellor Alexander Heard was openly supportive of these students, encouraging his staff to listen to their concerns. The students also found support in each other, founding the Afro-American Student Association in 1967 to provide mutual support and problem-solving.

Today, Vanderbilt University continues to celebrate its African American alumni and their achievements. The university's black cultural centre is dedicated as the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Centre, honouring the university's pioneering first African American student. The university also offers African American and Diaspora Studies (AADS), an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural examination of the lived experiences of Black people in the world.

Vanderbilt University has been recognised as a top university for African American students, ranking 24th on a list compiled by Money and Essence magazines based on graduation rates, affordability, and the earnings potential of graduates.

The university's Black Cultural Center

The Black Cultural Center is a welcoming space for all visitors, offering innovative programming, resources, and opportunities for fellowship. It continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The center hosts a range of events and programs to celebrate and honor Black history and culture, including an annual Family Welcome and Harambee March for first-year students of color and their families. More than 200 students and their families participated in the march in 2024, accompanied by African drummers and cheered on by members of the Vanderbilt community.

The center also provides a space for important discussions and events centered on free expression and civil discourse, such as Vanderbilt's Banned Books Week. It serves as a community for students of color, fostering cultural bonds and providing support and services to students, faculty, and staff. The Black Cultural Center plays a vital role in celebrating and promoting diversity, inclusion, and the rich history and experiences of the Black community at Vanderbilt University.

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