Vivian Malone Jones: Leading the way
by marla scott

On the morning of June 11, 1963, two black students walked up to Foster Auditorium at the University of Alabama to register for classes. Along with James Hood and accompanied by federal marshals, Vivian Malone Jones (pictured at right) was to be the first African-American woman to graduate from the university.

It is a typical procedure for any student, who wishes to further his or her education by attending a prestigious university of choice. However, for Jones, it was anything but typical.

Jones was confronted by then-Gov. George C. Wallace who issued the historic "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" speech in an attempt to prevent her enrollment. The Justice Department represented by Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach, eventually prevailed and Wallace stepped aside. In 1965 Jones received her degree in business management and went to work for the civil rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

In an interview with the University of Alabama Media Relations Department, Vivian Malone Jones said that even though there was a lot of activity going on around her, her focus was on enrolling in school.

"I went way beyond that day at that point in my mind," Jones said. "My vision was of the future and graduating and going to classes, things like that."

Jones retired as director of civil rights and urban affairs and director of environmental justice for the Environmental Protection Agency in 1996. Jones was also chosen by the George Wallace Family Foundation to be the first recipient of its Lurleen B. Wallace Award of Courage.

UA history professor Hasan Kwame Jeffries described the 1960s as a symbol of all that was wrong with race relations in America. Jefferies said it was neither better nor worse, but more public about prejudice.

"The desegregation of UA and the Birmingham protests offered African Americans throughout the state and the region new possibilities, new hope for change," Jefferies said.

Jones's decision to enroll at the university did not come without personal sacrifices and struggles. However, she feels it was worth it because her hardships made it easier for future generations to follow in her footsteps.

"Sometimes while it may be difficult for us to get through, if we don't leave the proper type of legacy it can be more difficult for others who come behind us," Jones said.

During the 40th anniversary of the "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door," reflection on race relations and how they have changed is the focus of attention on those commemorating the event. Jefferies said that Alabama's poor track record on race is not a disgrace, but simply American history.

When asked what his definition of perfect harmony between races, Jefferies said, "Candid, public, and honest dialogue about the history of race and racism in the state, from the classroom to the boardroom to the legislature."

« back