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Year-End Report
Extension of Remarks on UNT's 50th Anniversary of Desegregation
Posted by Michelle Stein on February 13, 2004 | comments
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Dr. Burgess. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of North Texas for celebrating 50 years of desegregation on their campus. In the summer of 1954 The University of North Texas accepted doctoral student A. Tennyson Miller as the first African-American student admitted into the university. Since 1954 African-America students have been scholars, athletes, both homecoming kings and queens, and most importantly leaders. They have shaped and molded the identity and character of the University of North Texas. The excellence of UNT today is directly linked to the diversity of its students. The year of 1954 was a turning point for civil rights and in particular, for the African-American community. Literally, the doors of opportunity began to open up in America's history. The landmark Supreme Court decision of Brown v. Board of Education sent public institutions in an uproar when it aimed to desegregate public schools. Within this tumultuous and controversial time, of the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s, the University of North Texas took a giant step forward by opening its doors to African-American students. And it is only appropriate, that during February, Black History Month, that UNT celebrates their own turning point in history with the 50 Years of Progress and Opportunity, 1954-2004 culminating in a celebration on Saturday, February 14, 2004. In 2004, the UNT is commemorating its desegregation as well as the incredible progress made in during those 50 years. I congratulate the African-Americans who overcame barriers to pave the way for others at the University of North Texas. I also applaud the university's former and current African-American students, faculty and staff for their continued dedication to the Mean Green of UNT. For more information on this event visit the following website: University of North Texas' 50th Anniversary of Desegregation"
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