Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Autherine Lucy Foster

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2022

1. Autherine Lucy Foster Marker

Inscription. First African American to enroll at the University of Alabama following successful litigation under the historic 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling. She began classes on February 3, 1956; however, after three days of tumultuous demonstrations, on February 6, she was suspended and later expelled by the University's Board of Trustees. The expulsion was rescinded in April of 1988. In December 1991, Ms. Lucy completed the requirements for her Master's in Elementary Education. This achievement was the culmination of her original dream to attend The University of Alabama and paved the way for countless others to fulfill theirs. Autherine Lucy's courage made The University of Alabama truly "one for all."

Erected 2017 by the University of Alabama.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is February 3, 1956.

Location. 33° 12.608′ N, 87° 32.915′ W. Marker is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in Tuscaloosa County. Marker is at the intersection of University Boulevard and Colonial Drive, on the right when traveling west on University Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tuscaloosa AL 35401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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. Delta Kappa Epsilon (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Maxwell Hall (about 600 feet away); University of Alabama (about 700 feet away); Site Of Franklin Hall (about 700 feet away); Denny Chimes (about 700 feet away); The President's Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oliver-Barnard Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kappa Delta (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tuscaloosa.

Also see . . .
1. The University of Alabama: Autherine Lucy Foster Dedication (YouTube, 1 min.). The University of Alabama's short video of the marker unveiling. (Submitted on September 18, 2017.)

2. Autherine Lucy Foster marker unveiled (YouTube, 2 min.). Autherine Lucy Foster, the first black student to attend the University of Alabama, speaks at ceremony unveiling the monument in her honor. (Submitted on September 18, 2017.)

3. Autherine Lucy Foster's legacy honored with historical marker (The Crimson White, 9/18/17). (Submitted on September 18, 2017.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2022

2. Autherine Lucy Foster Marker

Autherine Lucy Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kai NeSmith, November 6, 2023

3. Autherine Lucy Hall

The marker now lies in front Autherine Lucy Hall (formerly Bibb Graves Hall), which was dedicated in honor of Autherine Lucy Foster on February 25, 2022.

Photographed By Kendall Mullenhour, September 15, 2017

4. Autherine Lucy Foster Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2017. This page has been viewed 873 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on November 7, 2023, by Kai NeSmith of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 4. submitted on September 15, 2017, by Kendall Mullenhour of Niceville, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.