First African American student returns to campus

Throughout LaGrange College’s history, trailblazers have cleared the way for future students. One such history maker is Alfreda Barrow Fannings '71, the institution’s first African American enrollee, who spoke to campus and community members in March about her experience on the Hill.

At the time Barrow Fannings arrived in LaGrange in 1967, barriers were placed on African Americans seeking a higher education and employment.

“It was in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, a time when Black students weren’t allowed to attend the college or university of their choice,” she said. “We were denied job opportunities even though we may have had a college degree.”

Despite the challenges, Barrow Fannings persevered and received her degree in social work.

“It was faith and prayer that got me through because I had to have faith that I could do it,” she said.

Nearly 50 years later, Barrow Fannings continues to work in her desired profession at the Chambers County Department of Human Resources.

"This college prepared me for my career path," she said. During her closing remarks, Barrow Fannings bestowed some words of wisdom on the students in the audience.

"You can do anything you think you can't do," she said. "You must believe in yourself. Aim for the moon that’s high because if you miss, you’ll always be among the stars.”