Nicholls Commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Integration

On September 17, 1963, seven Black students took the first steps to create the diverse campus we know today. Met with angry reactions, twenty-one Black students three days later boldly integrated Nicholls campus which had been segregated for 15 years since its inception. Twenty-one students endured hatred that might have otherwise deterred young Black people from seeking higher education opportunities.

Despite opposition, they persisted toward their academic goals, removing barriers for future Black leaders. Their footsteps led to this place of solace where they shared laughter and light at a bench under an oak near Elkins Hall. This tree was not only the place they gathered to escape the animosity and hatred of the times, it was also a place to rest. Although racial slurs were carved into the trunk of the oak, it could not uproot the peace they shared in this sanctuary.

Decades later, the graduates would return to this tree to reflect on its importance. Now, we reflect on this historic day, a symbolic bench for us to sit and marvel at the growth of progress branching deep into the soil and high into the air. Thank you for planting seeds for our future at Nicholls State University.