Explore African American contributions at the University of Georgia with the self-guided Celebrating Black History Through Steps Towards Inclusion site tour, featuring 10 locations across the UGA Athens campus. The tour can be completed in person by walking, driving, or biking at your leisure, or online through our immersive virtual experience during the month of February.
Myers Hall
1055 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA
Charlayne Hunter-Gault lived in Myers Hall while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in journalism. She and Hamilton Holmes made history in 1961 as the first African American students to enroll at UGA.
Myers Hall became the stage for angry protests on the third evening after Hunter-Gault’s arrival when a mob of students descended on the residence hall. The crowd hurled bricks and bottles at the building before being dispersed by Athens police. As a result, Hunter-Gault and Holmes were escorted off the UGA Athens campus and faced suspension from the University under the premise of personal safety. Following a court order, they returned to the University a few days later to continue their studies.
A permanent exhibition honoring Hunter-Gault is displayed in the Myers Hall lobby—the exhibit features photos that chronicle the Civil Rights Movement and desegregation of the University.
