When Arthur Dunning stepped onto The University of Alabama campus in 1966, there were only 15 other black students enrolled.
This year, the 50th anniversary of desegregation and Gov. George Wallace’s famous “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” in 1963, Dunning serves as co-chair of a committee planning a year-long series of special activities and events titled “Through the Doors.”
Through the Doors is an opportunity for different schools, colleges and organizations on campus to sponsor events encouraging community and inclusiveness.
“We’ve tried to make this as decentralized as possible so schools and colleges can celebrate this in a way that reflects them and their goals,” Dunning said.
Dunning, who was also among the first five black players to walk on the 1967 football team, said the feeling of social isolation he experienced on campus 50 years ago does not exist anymore, and the University has become much more diverse on a national and international level. He wants the Through the Doors series to be focused on students and forward thinking.
“We want to reflect on the past, celebrate the successes and achievements we’ve made, and look to the future,” Dunning said.
Kayla James, president of the Black Student Union, serves as a student representative on the planning committee of Through the Doors. She said it is an honor to be in such a position at a place where she could not have received an education just 50 years ago.
“I’m thankful to the others before who opened up doors,” James said. “It inspires me to open up doors for others in the future.”
James said the Black Student Union is planning a few events for Through the Doors, including a black history and civil rights tour of Tuscaloosa and a black student alumni reunion.
SGA President Matt Calderone also serves as a student representative on the planning committee. He hopes the series opens more doors to ways students and organizations can collaborate on campus.
“We’ve done a good job of it so far, but we can always do more to bring us together,” Calderone said. “I think this is a good way to make students sit back and think about that.”
Dunning said many events are still in the planning process, including special events for the actual anniversary of the enrollment of Vivian Malone and James Hood, UA’s first black undergraduates to enroll, on June 11. He hopes the Through the Door series will help students connect to this important time in history.
“Fifty years in not long ago. It’s not ancient history,” Dunning said. “We’ve had dramatic changes, and we want students to see how this matters to them.”
For more information about the 50th anniversary of the Stand in the Schoolhouse Door and a schedule of Through the Doors events, visit throughthedoors.ua.edu. Events and information will be continually updated throughout the year.
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