The First African American Graduates of Perkins School of Theology

Originally exhibited April 28–August 21, 2015
Entry Hall

Introduction

On May 30, 1955 A. Cecil Williams, James V. Lyles, James A. Hawkins, John W. Elliott, and Negail R. Riley made history by becoming the first African Americans to graduate from Perkins School of Theology and Southern Methodist University. This sixtieth-anniversary exhibition highlights their accomplishments after seminary as distinguished church and community leaders.

Credits

Bridwell Library Special Collections