Video produced by UK Marketing and Brand Strategy. To view captions for this video, push play and click on the CC icon in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. If using a mobile device, click on the “thought bubble” in the same area.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2024) — Throughout 2024, the University of Kentucky is commemorating 75 years since its integration —  a pivotal moment in the institution’s history.

The video above features the recorded words of the late Johnson, along with commentary by UK Professor George Wright and Deirdre Scaggs, associate dean for research and discovery and director of the Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center. The video explores the landmark case led by Lyman T. Johnson, whose bravery and determination broke the color barrier at UK. Johnson, who was a Louisville educator, challenged the university’s admissions policies in 1949, successfully paving the way for Black students to enroll.

His legal victory not only transformed the university, but also marked a significant step forward in the broader Civil Rights Movement in Kentucky. 

Watch the video above to learn more about the impact of Johnson’s legacy.

Read more from UK President Eli Capilouto in a campus message from earlier this year about UK’s commemoration of this important anniversary.

You can also hear more from George Wright in an episode of the “Behind the Blue” podcast that aired earlier this spring. Listen here.