One of the faces of the civil rights movement, James Hood, died Thursday in his hometown of Gadsden, Ala. Hood is remembered as one of the students who helped integrate the University of Alabama in 1963, despite Gov. George Wallace's opposition. The Tuscaloosa News shared the details on Jan. 18 of Hood's history and passing.
James Hood died leaving behind a legacy of strength and determination. Hood and fellow student Vivian Malone Jones went to the University of Alabama on June 11, 1963 to pay and register for classes. The images have long been a symbol of the battle against segregation during that time, as Gov. George Wallace barred Hood and Malone from the school. Later that day, Wallace retreated in his attempts when President John. F. Kennedy brought the National Guard into the mix.
Hood only stayed at UA for a few months, later moving to Michigan where he earned a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University. He also earned a master's degree from Michigan State University and later went back to the University of Alabama for a doctorate. USA Today notes that Hood was the last key survivor from the UA stand-off. James Hood died at the age of 70.
Comments