Celebration on Quad brings music, dance to 'Opening Doors'
by cassandra mickens

University students and the Tuscaloosa community gathered for a celebration on the Quad Wednesday afternoon to honor "Opening Doors" Pioneers through music, song and dance in front of Gorgas Library.

Taste buds were satisfied at the festivities as well. Many dined under crimson and white tents with meals from Roly Poly, Papa John's Pizza, and The Nut Shop.

Tallapoosa County Commissioner Thomas Corley Jr., master of ceremonies, welcomed the audience and prepared them for an evening of local talents.

"During the course of the next two hours we will be entertained, moved, touched and in some cases overwhelmed," Corley said.

The event commenced with the vocal stylings of the Holt High School choral group. Its renditions of "God Bless America," "Total Praise" and "You Are So Beautiful" were embraced by the audience.

UA President Robert E. Witt (center) watches as Vivian Malone Jones lights her candle during the candlelight vigil. (Photo by Brandon K. Pierce)

Hillcrest High School cheerleaders, the Central High School jazz band, and the Shelton State Community College theatre group were participants in the ongoing celebration as well.

Between acts, Corley acknowledged three of the 40 Pioneers who have been recognized for their part in the successful integration of the Capstone. Edna Miller Gardner and the Honorable John England Jr. shared their words and experiences with the audience.

Gardner, one of the first African-American master's students to graduate in 1966, looked back on her experiences with pride and was thankful to witness the anniversary.

"I just want to thank everyone that had the experience of coming down and moving Wallace out of the door," Gardner said. "There were four of us that graduated and the other three have deceased, but I thank the Lord that I made it thus far."

England was one of "eight black faces in a sea of white faces" at the UA School of Law. He said the university has a responsibility to undo what it created in 1963 and "Opening Doors" was an important step in doing just that.

Gov. Bob Riley (left) talks to UA President Robert E. Witt after walking to Foster Auditorium during the candlelight vigil. (Photo by Brandon K. Pierce)

James Hood, one of the university's first black students, also made a special appearance at the Quad celebrations.

"I ask that you realize the significance of what the university has attempted to do during these last two-and-a-half days," Hood said. "It's an opportunity for you to understand what the climate and atmosphere was like on this campus 40 years ago."

The African-American Alumni Reunion Gospel Choir closed the talent showcase with a gospel medley. The audience raised their hands in the air and clapped to the beat as the choir's voices saturated the Quad.

From Gorgas, the crowd moved to Denny Chimes to participate in a candlelight vigil and procession to Foster Auditorium. The first candle was lit by UA President Robert Witt and the flame was passed on to others. Police officers directed traffic while an illuminated parade made its way to the "Schoolhouse Door."

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