Alumni, students, faculty and staff from the College of Social Work joined together with members of the Florida State family to commemorate 50 years of integration at FSU. More than 1,500 participants formed three human chains representing the brave legacy of Florida State’s first African-American students to enroll during the integration era.  Starting at the integration statue near Woodward Avenue and extending in three different directions, participants in the chains passed from person to person three commemorative medallions.  Passing the metal medallions symbolized Florida State’s collective commitment to diversity.

A small group of the first African-American students admitted to the University was in attendance, including: College of Social Work alumnae Doby Flowers and Jackie Dupont-Walker, along with Fred H. Flowers. Although unable to attend, students like Maxine Thurston, the first African-American graduate student in the social work program  (MSW , 1964; Ph.D., 1987), were also honored and remembered. University President Eric Barron spoke to the crowd in front of the integration statue to remember the brave legacy of these students, followed by performances by the Tallahassee Boy’s Choir and FSU Men’s Choir. Mayor John Marks, Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox and Kiaira MCCoy, president of the FSU’s Black Student Union, also spoke to mark the significance of the occasion.

The festivities concluded with a fireworks display to end the festivities on a high note. The The celebration proved to be one of hugs, laughter and community  signifying a positive, continued legacy of campus unity.

To all the brave students who paved the way to make education an equal opportunity for all, thank you. 

Integration 
The statue, titled “Integration,” was commissioned by former University President Talbot D’Alemberte.  It features three figures to represent the three aspects of campus life at FSU: academics, athletics and social.  Academics is represented by Maxwell Courtney, the first African-American student to graduate from Florida State; Fred Flowers represents athletics as the first African-American athlete at FSU; and, Doby Flowers is the representative of social as the first African-American Homecoming Queen.

Learn more about the Integration Statue.

Read more about the 50 Years of Integration Celebration.