<p>This is absolutely fascinating:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/12/12/southern_discomfort/[/url]”>http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/12/12/southern_discomfort/</a></p>
<p>"Southern Discomfort
With quiet grace, two black men change the heart of Harvard in 1941.
By Ted Gup </p>
<p>Every great institution has its moments of shame and its moments of honor. For Harvard, in the spring of 1941, those moments were nearly one and the same. Drue King was a sophomore, a gangly good-humored lad and Harvard’s finest tenor. “Lucky” Lucien Alexis was a junior, quiet, kind-hearted, and more determined than skilled on the lacrosse field. One thing more: Both young men were black, and upon that single fact hangs the entire tale.</p>
<p>In the sea of white faces that was then Harvard, it was inevitable that the two would find each other and become fast friends. Both were from the Deep South – King from Tuskegee, Alabama, Alexis from New Orleans. Both adored the movies. Both had their hearts set on becoming doctors…</p>
<p>But the true test of King and Alexis that spring would have little to do with song or sport. It would cement their friendship even as it forced those around them to examine the meaning of loyalty…"</p>
<p>Is there any way you could post the entire article, NSM? I got the link in my email today before I saw it here (over the ABHW list 
) but it my computer freezes whenever I click it. Thanks!</p>
<p>I am sorry, Carmelkisses, but I can’t post the whole article because it would violate copyrights. Since you are in Cambridge, can’t you just buy the mag at the Square?</p>
<p>It is a great article. Amazing how much things have changed since then (1940s):</p>
<p>“Lucien Alexis faced greater disappointment. Decades after graduating, he confided in a New Orleans friend, Dr. Patrick Dowling, that he had applied to Harvard Medical School and been accepted, but that shortly thereafter he was summoned and informed that his acceptance had been rescinded. The school, he said, had accepted another Negro who was to have been his roommate but had withdrawn. Because it was unthinkable for him to room with a white, the school said it had no alternative. (The medical school says it keeps no record of those it has rejected.)”</p>
<p>Oh wow, lol … I never even thought of buying the magazine!! I forget where I am sometimes, I think. Thanks for the suggestion … :)</p>
<p>I read all nine pages, and it was incredible. An inevitable occurrence at the time, but it was wonderful to see what came from it. Granted, the feelings didn’t change the opinion of the administration, but there was a lot to learn from the reactions at the time.</p>
<p>Thanks for posting it, NSM.</p>
<p>is there a sparknotes for that?</p>
<p>Thanks Northstarmom! </p>
<p>Just incredible…the writing and the heroism and everything.</p>