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

Video: Carolina Insider - Interview With Former Denver Nuggets Coach and Tar Heel Dad Michael Malone
Former Denver Nuggets Head Coach, Michael Malone, also a proud UNC Volleyball parent, joins Jones Angell and Adam Lucas to talk about what it took...
Mon Apr 6, 2026

Eight UNC students selected as 2026 Carolina Blue Honors Fellows
Eight students from the University of North Carolina were selected as recipients of the 2026 Carolina Blue Honors Fellowship to pursue unique and self-initiated summer...
Sun Apr 5, 2026

Local staple Carrburitos approaches 30 years in business
In April of 1997, a new eatery in Carrboro would emerge, swapping the Texas regionality for a truly California-style experience. Known for their generous portions,...
Sat Apr 4, 2026

UNC's Gedas Bertasius uses basketball to train computers
Today, the same instincts that once helped Gedas Bertasius scan a basketball court — where the pass is headed, how the defense might collapse —...
Tue Mar 31, 2026