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Holladay Hall

Holladay Hall (35.785500,-78.664001)

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1962 : First African-American faculty member

Vivian Henderson becomes the first African-American faculty member, taking a position as a visiting professor in the Department of Economics. Henderson was a friend of Martin Luther King, Jr., and he later became president of the historically black Clark College in Atlanta.

1969 : First African-American Student Senate President

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Eric Moore became the first African American Student Senate President.

1970 : NC State fails to comply with Civil Rights Act of 1964

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The Health, Education and Welfare Department (HEW) informed the University of North Carolina schools that its institutions, including NC State, failed to comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

1974 : Affirmative Action plan accepted

The university's affirmative action plan is informally accepted by HEW.

1974 : NC State hires Dr. Lawrence M. Clark

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NC State hired Dr. Lawrence M. Clark as Associate Provost. Dr. Clark was the second African American to serve as a university administrator. In addition to serving as a professor of mathematics education, Dr. Clark coordinated all activities related to the university’s Affirmative Action Plan. Dr. Clark was instrumental in the founding of NC State’s African American Cultural Center, the Peer Mentor program, and the African American Symposium.

1988 : NC State recognizes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

1988 marked the first year the University recognized Martin Luther King Day. University administrators initially announced the substitution of Easter Monday for MLK day, however students reacted negatively to this suggestion. Student Body president Kevin Howell introduced an open forum to hear student concerns about the spring calendar changes. Upon hearing support for both holidays, Howell pushed the administration to observe both Easter and MLK day. University leaders compromised by canceling classes on MLK Day and Good Friday and by holding classes on a Saturday.

1988 : Students march against racism

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Greeks United sponsored the March Against Racism-Challenging History (M.A.R.C.H.) to support change in the University’s policies towards African American Students. Students marched to Holladay Hall to present a petition to the Chancellor, which demanded immediate action. NC State’s first African American student body president, Kevin Howell (1987-1988), participated in the M.A.R.C.H.