225 years of Tar Heels: Harvey Beech, James Lassiter, J. Kenneth Lee, Floyd McKissick, James Walker

Posted Feb 28, 2019
In 1951, five African-American students enrolled in UNC’s School of Law, effectively desegregating UNC. The students were Harvey Beech, James Lassiter, J. Kenneth Lee, Floyd McKissick and James Robert Walker. By the mid-1950s, black students were admitted to the College of Arts & Sciences. Today, the UNC GAA recognizes them with awards in their names. (UNC.edu)

Related: Campus Connections

Carolina’s history comes to life on Instagram
One post shows what’s believed to be the oldest existing photo of UNC, a daguerreotype of sophomores from the 1850s. Another, posted on the first...
Sun Apr 19, 2026

Kenan Stadium: From football field to baseball diamond
The Savannah Bananas sold out Kenan Stadium twice in one weekend, bringing the team’s barnstorming version of baseball to Carolina’s 99-year-old flagship venue. But before...
Sat Apr 18, 2026

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Openings, Closings and Updates in October-December 2025
The fall marked several Eastgate Crossing shopping center tenants reopening in Chapel Hill after restoration from July’s Tropical Depression Chantal rain and flooding. On October...
Fri Apr 17, 2026

Tar Heels fans go bananas for Caleb Wilson before enjoying the Bananas show
Kenan Stadium was packed on a beautiful spring afternoon, and the atmosphere was bananas. And Tar Heels fans went bananas over one of their favorite...
Thu Apr 16, 2026