Tuscaloosa Photo Album

When African American students tried to register at The University of Alabama in 1963, Governor George Wallace blocked the entrance to Foster’s Auditorium, making his infamous “stand in the schoolhouse door.”

Foster Auditorium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

George Wallace attempted to block Vivian Malone and James Hood from enrolling at The University of Alabama.

In 1965, Vivian Malone became the first African American to graduate from The University of Alabama.

A plaque in honor of the event.  Erected by the Student Government Association of the University of Alabama, 1990-91:

"On June 11, 1963, Governor George C. Wallace fulfilled a pledge to prevent court-ordered desegregation at the University of Alabama by standing in the schoolhouse door.  Represented by Deputy Attorney General Nicholas deB. Katzenbach, the administration of President John F. Kennedy Federalized the National Guard and ordered Governor Wallace to step aside.  At 4:00 o'clock that afternoon, Vivian J. Malone and James A. Hood became the first African-American students to enroll successfully at the University."