Boston Mag Article: Blacks @ Harvard 1940s

Parents Forum
1

<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/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<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>

2

<p>NSM:</p>

<p>I read it this morning and kept it for my Ss to read. Absolutely riveting and moving.</p>

3

<p>Race relations are far from perfect here in the US, but I am glad they have travelled far from 1941. Thanks for spotlighting the article, Northstarmom.</p>

4

<p>" 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Medical School and been accepted, but that shortly thereafter he was summoned and informed that his acceptance had been rescinded. The school, he said, had accepted another Negro who was to have been his roommate but had withdrawn.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. "</p>

<p>NSM, thank you for sharing this. I found it fascinating. Glad things are different now. Son has black friends eagerly awaiting this week’s decsions. I’ll have him pass this along.</p>

5

<p>As my Dad sometimes likes to say, “My soul looks back and wonders”. Thanks, Northstarmom, for posting the link to this fascinating bit of Harvard (and American) history. Alexis and King were indeed extraordinary young men. Their grace, forbearance, and tenacity were nothing short of amazing. So much has changed since 1941, and yet, it really was not all that long ago.</p>