Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Heman Marion Sweatt
1912-1982
Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 16, 2019
1. Heman Marion Sweatt 1912-1982 Marker
Despite outstanding academic credentials, Heman Marion Sweatt, a black man, was denied admission to the University of Texas School of Law in February 1946 because of his race. In May 1946, Mr. Sweatt challenged the university's segregationist admissions policies by filing suit against T. S. Painter, the president of the University of Texas, in the 126th Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas. Supported by the NAACP Thurgood Marshall, a future United States Supreme Court Justice, argued the case of Sweatt v Painter here in the Travis County Courthouse. The trial judge ruled against Mr. Sweatt and upheld the University's policy of refusing to admit persons of color.
On June 5, 1950, after a four-year court battle, the United States Supreme Court reversed the 126th District Court and ordered Mr. Sweatt admitted to the University of Texas Law School as its first black student. By his courage, perseverance and sacrifice, Heman Marion Sweatt helped ensure the opportunity to achieve a higher education for all persons in Texas and throughout the United States.
Erected 2005 by Travis County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is June 5, 1950.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Third Site For Travis County Government (here, next to this marker); Zachary Taylor Fulmore (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wooldridge Park (about 400 feet away); Central Christian Church (about 500 feet away); Brizendine House (about 500 feet away); Booker T. Washington (about 500 feet away); Votes for Women (about 500 feet away); Wooldridge Square (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 16, 2019
2. Heman Marion Sweatt 1912-1982 Marker
Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 16, 2019
3. Heman Marion Sweatt 1912-1982 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2019, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 992 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 26, 2019, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
