As We Saw It: The Story of Integration at the University of Texas at Austin

Tower Books Imprint

by Gregory J. Vincent (Editor), Virginia A. Cumberbatch (Editor), Leslie A. Blair (Editor)

In 2016, the University of Texas at Austin celebrated two important milestones: the thirtieth anniversary of the Heman Sweatt Symposium on Civil Rights and the sixtieth anniversary of the first black undergraduate students to enter the university. These historic moments aren’t just special; they are relevant to current conversations and experiences on college campuses across the country. The story of integration at UT against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South is complex and momentous—a story that necessitates understanding and sharing. Likewise, this narrative is inextricably linked to current conversations about students’ negotiations of identity and place in higher education.

Genres: History

176 pages, Hardcover

Published April 17, 2018

Reviews

[Larkin Tackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Desegregation does not mean integration." "Texas Civil Rights activist Aston Kirk (who was denied admission to UT Austin's graduate school prior to the Sweatt v. Painter decision) was asked during a 1984 interview if Blacks were treated better in Austin than elsewhere in Texas. He replied, 'Basically yes in the sense that the white intelligentsia here... were more open than what I found in Houston or Dallas and to some extent San Antonio.' But he added, 'They did recognize what the system was, and they probably did no have the courage to behave in ways that were consistent with their own beliefs.'" These quotes, along with the powerful role of Huston-Tillotson as a haven for students, are some of the many examples in As We Saw It of the dark history of segregated UT Austin and of the proud history of African American students and community members who integrated the school. This book should be required reading for all UT Students, Austinites, and anyone who cares about social justice in our community.

[Molly S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes accounts of several “Precursors”, Black students who were among the first to desegregate The University of Texas at Austin, during the 1950’s through early 1970’s. I appreciated this retelling of this turbulent time from the perspective of the Black students.

[Ingrid Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for everyone, especially Texans.