Man Who Helped Integrate University Of Georgia Dies

Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes, who endured racial hatred, violence and loneliness as one of the two black students who integrated the University of Georgia in 1961, has died at the age of 54.

Holmes, who graduated with honors in 1963 and went on to become a prominent Atlanta physician, died at home in his sleep Thursday. He had been recuperating from quadruple heart bypass surgery performed three weeks ago.

“I’m devastated,” said journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault, who integrated the university with Holmes. “This was someone who I was historically joined at the hip with.”

Holmes and Hunter-Gault endured racial epithets and threats. When they walked onto the campus in Athens to register for classes, fellow students chanted “Two-four-six-eight. We don’t want to integrate.”

On the third night after their arrival, an angry, brick-throwing mob rioted outside Hunter-Gault’s dorm. She and Holmes left campus for several days until order could be restored.

Holmes was elected to Phi Beta Kappa but he had little association with the university for many years. He said he felt too bitter over how he was treated.

Holmes did remain close to Hunter-Gault, however, and as the years passed, so did his bitterness toward the university. Eventually, the two created a scholarship for black students at the school.

In 1983, Holmes was invited to become a trustee of the University of Georgia Foundation. After initially refusing, he accepted the appointment.

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