Autherine Lucy Foster, University Of Alabama’s First Black Student, Has Died
Autherine Lucy Foster, the first Black student to attend the University of Alabama, has reportedly died. She was 92.
Just last week Foster was in Tuscaloosa to cut the ribbon for the newly-named College of Education building, where she was once sheltered from a racist mob. The building, which was previously named after former governor and Ku Klux Klan leader Bibb Graves, is now Autherine Lucy Hall.
“For you to bring me out today, the Lord must be on each of our sides,” she said Friday (February 25), according to AL.com. “If I am a master teacher, what I hope I am teaching you is that love will take care of everything in our world.”
On Wednesday, Foster’s family confirmed her death to the outlet and are requesting privacy at this time.
“She was known, honored and respected around the world after she broke the color barrier at the University of Alabama,” daughter Chrystal Foster said in a statement. “She passed away at home, surrounded by family. We are deeply saddened, yet we realize she left a proud legacy.”
The University of Alabama has also issued a statement over Foster’s passing.
“The UA community is deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, Dr. Autherine Lucy Foster,” said University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell. “While we mourn the loss of a legend who embodied love, integrity and a spirit of determination, we are comforted by knowing her legacy will continue at The University of Alabama and beyond. We were privileged to dedicate Autherine Lucy Hall in her honor just last week and to hear her words of encouragement for our students. Dr. Foster will always be remembered as one who broke barriers, reminded us of the respect due to every individual and lived a life of strength in steadfast service to her students and community.”
In 1956, Foster attended classes in the education building. She was a graduate of Miles College, hoping to earn her master’s degree in education two years after a federal court ruled segregation illegal in public institutions.
Spending her first week of classes sheltered in the annex of the building to protect herself from violent and racist white mobs. University officials expelled her for her safety just three days after she enrolled.
In 1991, Foster returned to Alabama to earn her master’s degree in elementary education. In 2019, the university awarded her an honorary doctoral degree.
