Holt High School To Honor 'Courageous Seven' With Ceremony On Friday

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Holt High School plans to honor seven African-American students later this week who were the first to integrate the school in 1965.

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The event will be held on Friday, Sept. 6, to commemorate the 59th anniversary and will be attended by members of the graduating classes of 1967 and 1968, along with current school officials.

Known as the Courageous Seven, these students made history on Sept. 7, 1965, when they became the first African Americans to attend the previously segregated school.

Of the original seven, four are still living and will be present for the ceremony.

The members include Celia Davis, Mary Lee Harris, Joe Nathan Moore and Alfred Parker, while deceased members are Florene Jenkins, James Jones and Betty Sullivan.

Organizers say the ceremony will include the unveiling of a permanent plaque in the school lobby dedicated to their contributions.

Additionally, each member of the Courageous Seven will receive individual plaques in recognition of their role in breaking significant racial barriers.

State Sen. Gerald Allen, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, will present a proclamation commemorating the event.

Attendees will also be shown a video and hear personal recollections about the impact of the Courageous Seven.

The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Holt High School.

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