In 1949, Virgil Hawkins was denied admission to the University of Florida College of Law on the basis of race. His refusal to accept this decision led to a nine year legal battle that laid the foundation for integrating graduate and professional schools in Florida. The materials in this archive help tell the story of this pioneer of the civil rights movement.
Submissions from 2016
Virgil Hawkins: Educator & Civil Rights Activist, Hardaway Law Firm; Virgil Hawkins Historical Society; Virgil Hawkins Bar Association of Polk County; Black Filmmakers of Central Florida; Kathleen High School Video and TV Production Team; and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Zeta Lambda Chapter
Submissions from 1993
A Lawyer Made In Heaven: The Virgil Hawkins Story A Video Production, Larry Dubin, Forest Godsey, and Hon. Barbara Jordan