Levern Hamlin

Levern Hamlin

Allen, Levern Hamlin
Western Carolina College -- students
African American women college students -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee
African American college students -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee

Levern Hamlin of Mecklenburg County was the first African American student to be admitted to Western Carolina College in 1957. Hamlin was already a public school teacher, and applied to the college to qualify for an advanced teaching certificate. Her admittance and attendance did not spark the type of resistance that occurred at other Southern schools. Besides being the first black student at Western, she holds the distinction of being the first back student admitted to any of North Carolina’s state supported colleges. In 1987, Levern Hamlin Allen was named to the college’s Board of Trustees.

unknown

Western Carolina University Hunter Library

1957

Permission granted by WCU Hunter Library

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photograph

HL_UA_2273

Jackson County (N.C.)