African American college students--Social conditions | 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.

Beverly Thompson, W&M Class of 1999

Beverly Thompson arrived at William & Mary in 1994, four years after graduating from the University of Central Florida with a Master’s degree in Computer Science. In her five years at the College, Thompson forged lasting relationships with faculty and completed a dissertation as a part of her program.

Carolyn Hines, W&M Class of 1972, 1978

Carolyn Hines arrived at William & Mary in 1970, earning a Master of Education and a Doctorate of Education by 1978. During her time at William & Mary she participated in the Black Students Organization, the Graduate Student Association, W&M Theater, and Delta Sigma Theta. She also served as a Board of Visitors Liaison and was involved with the Williamsburg Area Women’s Center.

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

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.

Janet Brown Strafer, Karen Ely, & Lynn Briley, W&M Class of 1971

Janet Brown Strafer arrived at William & Mary in 1967 as part of the first cohort of African Americans in Residence.

Janet Brown Strafer, Karen Ely, & Lynn Briley, W&M Class of 1971

University Archivist Kim Sims interviews Janet Brown Strafer, Karen Ely, and Lynn Briley, Class of 1971 and the first African-American students in residence at William & Mary. Recorded in the Pollard Room of the Alumni House on the campus of the College of William and Mary on March 19, 2016.

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

Mallory Walker, W&M Class of 2017

Mallory Walker arrived at William & Mary in 2014. During her time at William & Mary, she served as an Orientation Aide, a W&M tour guide, and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Additionally, she wrote a column, “Behind Closed Doors”, for the Flat Hat, and gained work experience through Phone-a-thon and the Reeder Media Center.

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.

Michele Mason, W&M Class of 1996

Michele Mason arrived at William & Mary in 1992. During her time at William & Mary, she was a member of the Women’s Soccer Team, participated in the Black Students Organization, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mason was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

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.

Yvonne Smith-Jones, Class of 1987, 1993, 1997

Yvonne Smith-Jones arrived at William & Mary in 1985, earning a Master of Arts of Education, an Education Specialist Degree, and a Doctorate of Education by 1997.