Fifty years ago, unsure of his safety, a tall, soft-spoken Black man walked alone across the Auburn campus to register for classes.
Black Alumni
The Teacher’s Coach
She wanted to be a physical therapist, but now Joy Gaston Gayles ’98 helps support and inspire a new generation of professors.
Pannie-George’s Kitchen Gives Back
What started out as a “plate sale” to fund a family reunion is now Pannie-George’s Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant that serves more than great soul food.
The Age of Reason
Twenty-year-old mediator Jamie Lowe brings a different perspective to the table.
Writing Warrior
CJ Holmes’ rise from Auburn basketball walk-on to beat writer for the Golden State Warriors is the stuff of hoop dreams.
Dating Advice from Auburn’s Bachelorette
Charity Lawson ’18 discusses her experience—and the lessons learned—as the star of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.”
We need your great Auburn stories!
We are looking for the newest, most inspiring stories about Auburn students, faculty, staff and alumni. Stories that touch the head and heart and show Auburn as a modern university that embraces its history and celebrates the Auburn Family every chance it gets.
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More Black Alumni Stories
Watching What You Eat
From regulations to recalls, Arma N. White ’04 monitors the nation’s health.
Following the Thread: Jazmine Motley-Maddox ’09
A publicist found her calling designing costumes for stars like Jennifer Aniston and Octavia Spencer.
Inner Visions: Brandon Dean ’08
To find creative inspiration, an artist turned to the subject he knew best: himself.
Angela Morton ’09
Within my business I provide nutrition counseling to patients that have chronic kidney disease.
The Eye of the Artist: Lynthia Edwards ’00
“Black Girl Magic” is the secret of one artist’s work.
New Characters, New Tales
When Cheniece Kelleher ’13 couldn’t find children’s books with diverse characters, she wrote her own. Now she’s changing the industry one book at a time.
First Black Auburn Student Finally Receives Degree
After integrating Auburn University more than 50 years ago, Harold Franklin Sr. finally has his diploma.
The Power of Black Tears: Kris Sims ’16
A black alumni channels his pain into a new form of protest art.
An Experiment That Had to Work
2019 marks the 50-year anniversary of the integration of Auburn University athletics. History-makers, then and now, tell their stories of leveling the playing field on the Plains.
The Father Figure
At 48-Years-Old, pretty much the last thing in Joseph Toles’s life plan was to become a father.