African American male college students--Interviews | Special Collections Research Center

Andrew Ojeda, W&M Class of 2012

Andrew Ojeda arrived at William & Mary in 2008. During his time at William & Mary, Ojeda worked as a research assistant and fellow on the Lemon Project, a research initiative on the College’s role in perpetuating slavery and racial discrimination. Additionally, he was involved with Alma Mater Productions and a sitcom called Ghostburg on William & Mary TV.

Connie Swiner III, W&M Class of 1981

Connie Swiner III arrived at William & Mary in 1977. During his time at William & Mary he served as the President of Alpha Phi Alpha, and was a member of the Biology Club, Ebony Expressions, the Black Students Organization, and the Affirmative Action Committee.

Connie Swiner, W&M Class of 1981

Earl Granger, III, W&M Class of 1992

Earl T. Granger III arrived at William & Mary in 1988. During his time at William & Mary he participated in theatre, was a President’s Aide, an Admissions tour guide, and served as the President of the Black Students Organization.

Earl T. Granger III, W&M Class of 1992

Hulon Willis, Jr., W&M Class of 1977

Hulon Willis, Jr. arrived at William & Mary in 1973, a little of two decades after his father, Hulon Willis, Sr. became the first African American student to attend the College. During his time at William & Mary, Willis, Jr. participated in the Student Association, the Baptist Student Union, the Judo & Karate Club, and the Black Students Organization. He was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Justin Reid, Class of 2009

Justin Reid arrived at William & Mary in 2005. During his time at William & Mary he participated in the African Cultural Society, was a President’s Aide, served as president of the W&M Chapter of the NAACP, served as a Resident Assistant and an Admission Tour Guide, and helped to establish the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Justin Reid, W&M Class of 2009

Michael Engs, W&M Class of 1969

Michael Engs arrived at William & Mary in 1967 after transferring from Christopher Newport College, now University, where he had been the first African American student at the institution. During his two years at William & Mary, Engs was a member of the ROTC, the first African American to do so at the college, and participated in intramural sports. He also worked as a historical interpreter for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation during his time as a student.

Michael K. Powell, W&M Class of 1985

Powell served as president of Theta Delta Chi and was involved in men's gymnastics and ROTC at W&M. He graduated with a BA in Government, served as an officer in the U.S. army and became W&M's first African American Rector.

Michael Powell, W&M Class of 1985

Michael K. Powell arrived at William & Mary in 1981 on an ROTC Scholarship. During his time at William & Mary, he served as President of Theta Delta Chi, was a member of the Men’s Gymnastics Team, and became the first black commander of the ROTC.

Thomas Johnson, Jr., W&M Class of 1992

Thomas L. Johnson, Jr. arrived at William & Mary in 1988. During his time at William & Mary he participated in Ebony Expressions, the Black Students Organization, and was a member and president of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Thomas L. Johnson, Jr., W&M Class of 1992

Warren W. Buck III

Warren W. Buck III arrived at William & Mary in 1968 after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Morgan State University. During his time at William & Mary he became a member of Omnicron Delta Kappa and was the founding president of the Black Students Organization.