University in Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon

Photographed By Steve Masler, January 31, 2024

1. Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon Marker

Inscription. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wellesley College, later earning her MA and PhD degrees from Johns Hopkins University, Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon was denied entrance to then Memphis State University in 1957. In 1966, she became the first Black professor at the University where she taught Spanish, was the advisor to the Black Student Association, and helped organize the Faculty Forum.

Erected 2020 by University of Memphis.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1966.

Location. 35° 7.158′ N, 89° 56.327′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in University. Marker is on State north of Alumni Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in the plaza between the university's administration building and Jones Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3718 Alumni Ave, Memphis TN 38111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In 1994 the University's name was changed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The University of Memphis 9-11 Memorial Tree (about 400 feet away); Luther C. McClellan (about 400 feet away); Memphis State Eight

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 500 feet away); John Willard Brister Library (about 500 feet away); This flagpole is dedicated to the men and women of the United States military services (about 600 feet away); Tom (about 700 feet away); J. Millard "Jack" Smith (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Also see . . . Local Treasure: Miriam DeCosta-Willis. Profile by Jon W. Sparks of the trailblazing activist, distinguished academic and prolific author that originally appeared in the October 2019 issue of Memphis Magazine. It was reposted upon her passing in January 2021. (Submitted on June 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 25, 2022

2. Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon Marker

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 25, 2022

3. Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon Marker

Jones Hall is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 9, 2024, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. 2, 3. submitted on June 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.