Franklin’s integration of Auburn laid foundation for future generations

As the Samford Tower clock at Auburn University reached 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, 1964, a U.S. Air Force veteran was making history a few hundred yards away.

Inside the Ralph Brown Draughon Library on campus, Harold A. Franklin signed his name on an admission form to enroll as a graduate student, officially integrating the land-grant institution and marking a historic step forward in the university’s journey toward equality. His signature opened doors for generations of African American students to follow in his footsteps to achieve their dreams on the Plains. Two years prior, the Talladega native graduated with honors from Alabama State College [now Alabama State University].

Franklin — who died on Sept. 9, 2021, at the age of 88 — left Auburn in 1965 when it became clear to him that his thesis would not be approved. After transferring to the University of Denver and earning a master’s, Franklin embarked on a distinguished 27-year career as a higher education faculty member, including positions at Alabama State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Tuskegee Institute and Talladega College before retiring in 1992.

In 2001, Auburn honored Franklin as its first African American student by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Letters and in 2015 erected a historic marker near the library where he first registered for classes. He returned to the Plains for a long overdue opportunity to defend his thesis on Feb. 19, 2020, and participated in the university’s commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12.

“I’m just about speechless after all these years,” Franklin said after walking across the stage at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2020. “I realized it wasn’t going to be easy when I came here as the first African American to attend Auburn, but I didn’t think it would take this long. It feels pretty good. I’m glad I could do something to help other people, and my mom and dad always taught us that, when you do something in life, try to do something that will help others as well.”

Following his death in 2021, Auburn added a new bronze plaque and circular brick courtyard near the desegregation marker.

“We, as the Auburn Family, owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the late Harold Franklin, whose steadfast resolve as Auburn’s first African American student opened the door for generations to come,” Auburn Board of Trustees member Elizabeth Huntley said at the courtyard dedication. “As we imagine his first footsteps on this campus near this very site — where he registered in our library for classes in 1964 — we know the path he paved continues to guide our way forever onward.”

In addition, the Auburn Alumni Association’s Black Alumni Council in 2021 named a scholarship in honor of Franklin, whose legacy also was honored in 2008 when Auburn students created The Harold A. Franklin Society. The anniversary of Franklin’s historic role in Auburn’s integration will be recognized at an official celebration ceremony at the Mell Classroom Building and Ralph Draughon Library at 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Born Harold Alonza Franklin on Nov. 2, 1932, in Talladega, Alabama, he was one of 10 children born to George Franklin Sr. and Henrietta Eugenia Williams Franklin. His father worked at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind, while his mother taught and played piano in church.

During his senior year of high school, the United States was embroiled in the Korean War, and Franklin left school to join the U.S. Air Force. After graduating from Alabama State College in 1962, he thought about attending law school before Fred Gray — the famous civil rights attorney who represented Martin Luther King Jr. — encouraged him to study history at Auburn.

That decision set forth a series of events that would lead to his enrollment at Auburn, and thousands of African Americans have followed in his path to the Plains as Auburn students and graduates. Now, when Auburn students pass by the courtyard and bronze plaque, they can read about the courageous pioneer who blazed a trail for others to follow.

The plaque states, in part, “Dr. Franklin’s bold journey is the epitome of a spirit that is not afraid. His story continues to move our hearts, stimulate our minds and inspire our lives. The same spirit dwells within, reminding us that truth will always prevail.”

The second wave: Integration at Auburn 1964-70

Even though Franklin had left Auburn, it wasn’t long before a new generation of African American students arrived on the Plains.

Auburn’s first African American graduate, Josetta Brittain Matthews ’66, may also be its unlikeliest.

Matthews had just graduated from Indiana University and was evaluating her options for a master’s degree, when her father, Dr. Joseph Brittain, received an interesting call. A fellowship for a “minority student” had just opened up at Auburn that needed to be filled immediately, before the upcoming academic year.

According to Matthews’ daughter, Heidi B. Wright ’16, her grandfather told the caller, “‘Yes, I know someone. They should be there first thing Monday morning,’” Wright said. “And that was my mom.”

Matthews arrived at Auburn in 1965 and began her degree in history and French.

Wright recalls her mother’s long days and late nights, working full time in addition to earning her degree at Auburn and caring for her as a child. In the morning, she left her home in Montgomery to work in Tuskegee. From there, she traveled to Auburn for classes, and after that back to Montgomery to care for Wright and do her homework. The stress was so great that her hair began to fall out. But she never complained.

“She never fussed about it,” Wright said. “She never cried over it. She said, ‘I’m not going to quit.’ That was never an option. She did what she had to do, and she did it with grace.”

When Matthews defended her thesis and earned her master’s degree in education, she had no idea she was the first African American graduate of Auburn. Not until the cameras snapped her photo.

“That’s why she looks surprised in the photo,” Wright said. “They told her, ‘You’re the first Black person to graduate from Auburn.’”

Matthews would go on to make additional Auburn history, becoming the university’s first African American faculty member in 1972 as a history and French professor, as well as being the first person of color to earn a doctorate in 1975.

Samuel Pettijohn Jr. ’68, Auburn’s first African American undergraduate, originally enrolled at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). He changed his major to physics once the curriculum became available, but when the fledgling program began to flounder, a Tuskegee professor contacted Auburn physics professor Raymond Askew and arranged for Pettijohn to continue his education at Auburn.

“Originally, I was told that I would continue to be officially enrolled at Tuskegee and just attend the classes at Auburn,” said Pettijohn in a 2013 interview with Auburn to commemorate 50 years of integration. “And that's the way it was the first term. But, after that first term, I was told I would have to enroll at Auburn.”

It was a prescient decision for Pettijohn, who also became Auburn’s first African American ROTC graduate and joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduation. As a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he received a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal for his service in combat support in Vietnam. After an assignment with the Defense Nuclear Weapons School, he enjoyed a long career with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and in 2001, Auburn awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science.

The first African American woman to earn an undergraduate degree, Yvonne Lampkin Fowlkes ’69, saw Auburn as much of a challenge as an opportunity.

“I was a civil rights baby, and there was a sense that we were not good enough — that we couldn’t cut it,” said Fowlkes. “Part of me decided I was going to do it to prove we could make it as Black undergraduate students in a predominantly white university.”

As the only African American undergraduate woman at the time, the extroverted Fowlkes didn’t enjoy as much of the camaraderie as her male counterparts across campus in Magnolia Hall. Though difficult at times, her isolation would only reinforce her determination to see the experience through. Joining student organizations, such as the French Club and Campus Crusaders for Christ, helped expand her social circle, and she said it made her feel more at home.

Fowlkes said she remains grateful to people, like her advisor, for not only helping her succeed, but being conscious of potential prejudice and discrimination she might face around the region. As an education major, Fowlkes had to complete an internship teaching at a school. It was a general rule that students couldn’t teach in their hometowns, but her advisor allowed her to be an exception.

“I remember him talking about it, very conscious of making sure that wherever I did my student teaching was in a place where I wouldn’t have to experience anything negative, in terms of living there,” Fowlkes said. “Also, [he took into consideration] the fact that I didn’t have a car and would have had to get housing. He did that intentionally, so that I would be comfortable in the city that I had to do most of the teaching.”

After graduation, Fowlkes moved to Atlanta, where she still resides. She went on to earn a master’s in counseling from Georgia State University and later a doctorate in organizational leadership. After teaching for a number of years, she worked in corporate organizations and owned a couple of businesses.

Though she remained ambivalent about her experience for a long time, she credits Auburn with helping her become the leader she is today. It has been decades since she’s returned to the Plains, but her grandson, Caleb, has expressed an interest in coming to Auburn. She said she is proud to share her experiences with him.

“As you get older, you’re proud that you were a part of that change that is now happening,” Fowlkes said. “You may not be given credit for it, but I know that us being there helped make the change.”

Franklin’s lasting legacy inspires current Tigers

Even though six decades have passed since Franklin first walked into Auburn’s library, the trailblazer’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who have followed in his footsteps. Their achievements over the past 60 years have helped elevate the university’s stature on the world stage. Students who now pursue degrees as members of the Auburn Family draw inspiration from Franklin to this day.

“When reflecting on the 60th anniversary of integration, I think of how much of an impact this moment means to students of color on campus,” said Seandria Smith, president of Auburn’s National Pan-Hellenic Council. “To reflect and think on how I wouldn’t be afforded an opportunity to thrive here if that memorable event didn’t take place 60 years ago is astounding. This campus has seen many advancements in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion since then, but none of that would be possible without Dr. Franklin.

“Dr. Franklin’s legacy will live on forever here at Auburn. He made this institution a better place through his bravery, and without him, this university would be much different. I am extremely grateful for his courage and determination to pave the way for all African American students to come.”

Franklin’s example and integrity are never far from the minds of those who revere him.

“Celebrating 60 years of integration at Auburn University represents 60 years of trailblazers, perseverance and the desire to achieve equal opportunity for all students,” Black Student Union President Nylah Blueitt said. “I am eternally grateful for those who came before me and laid the foundation for me to flourish at Auburn. I often reflect with a heart of gratitude that I can attend Auburn University because of the work of pioneers such as Dr. Franklin, and I look forward to seeing our university continue to make strides to honor his legacy and continue to welcome the next generation of Black excellence.”

As the 60th anniversary of Franklin’s historic actions on campus is recognized and celebrated, a line from the Auburn Creed demonstrates what the university offers to students of all backgrounds who dare to dream the biggest dreams.

“I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.”