Lafayette in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Making Rights Real
— Louisiana Civil Rights Trail —
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, May 27, 2023
1. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Marker
After four black students successfully sued in federal court to gain admission, Southwestern Louisiana Institute, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, became the first state-supported, previously all-white undergraduate college in the Deep South to desegregate. In the summer of 1954, John Harold Taylor became the first black student to enroll. That fall, 80 black students attended SLI. The University later led the way in the desegregation of Louisiana college athletics when, in 1966, it added three black student-athletes to its basketball team. Two years later, black student-athletes joined the football team.
Erected 2023 by Louisiana Office of Tourism.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.
Location. 30° 12.798′ N, 92° 1.225′ W. Marker is in Lafayette, Louisiana, in Lafayette Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Rex Street and East St. Mary Boulevard, on the right when traveling west on Rex Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lafayette LA 70503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. University of Louisiana at Lafayette 50th Anniversary of Desegregation (a few steps from this marker); Pillars of Progress (within shouting distance
this page online
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, May 27, 2023
2. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Marker
Rear of Marker
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, May 27, 2023
3. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Marker
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, May 27, 2023
4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 28, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
