Black History Month
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Elder Watson Diggs: ‘The Dreamer’
In 1916, Elder Watson Diggs, founder of Kappa Alpha Psi, became the first Black graduate of the IU School of Education.
McKinney Law Alumnus J.B. Stradford was Prominent on Black Wall Street
J. B. Stradford, the first IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law graduate, was one of the most prominent businessman of "Black Wall Street."
Olympic Gold Medalist: Milton Campbell
Milton Campbell, ’57, was the first Black man to win Olympic gold in the decathlon. He was inducted into the IU Hall of Fame in 1982.
IU’s Black History Makers
Peer into the lives of 12 alumni whose “firsts” made a lasting impact on IU, the Bloomington community, and beyond.
IU Football, Preston Eagleson, and the 1885 Civil Rights Act
IU Football, Preston Eagleson, and the 1885 Civil Rights Act : Pride of IU Stories: My IU: Indiana University
Eye on the Prize
In 1895, Marcellus Neal became the first Black student to graduate from Indiana University. He went on to become a dedicated science teacher.
A Phenomenal Woman
In 1919, Frances Marshall became the first Black woman to graduate from Indiana University. She went on to become a sought-after registrar.
Bill Garrett Makes History—Again
Bill Garrett, BS'51, was the first Black basketball player to compete regularly in the Big Ten and to play for Indiana University.
The Great George Taliaferro
George Taliaferro, BS’51, was the first Black man drafted to the NFL and a leader in the desegregation of Indiana University.
A Queen Comes Home
In 1959, Nancy Streets-Lyons, BA'62, was the first Black student crowned Miss Indiana University. She returned to campus in 2013.
Doing the Undoable
Thomas Atkins, BA’61, was elected the first Black student body president of a Big Ten university in 1960. He went on to study law at Harvard.
Foundational Politician
Life-long social activist Richard Hatcher (1933-2019) made history as the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city in 1967.