James Hood

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James Hood was one of the first two African Americans to enroll at the University of Alabama in 1963 and was made famous when Alabama Governor George Wallace tried to block them from entering, triggering a showdown with federal troops.

He was catapulted into the national spotlight on June 11, 1963, when, accompanied by federal marshals and the assistant U.S. Attorney General Nicolas Katzenbach, he attempted to register for classes at the all-white university. He was barred from doing so when Alabama Governor George Wallace made his infamous "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" in an attempt to prevent racial integration of Alabama schools. Ultimately, Wallace stood aside and Mr. Hood, along with Vivian Malone, was allowed to enroll. Hood left the university after only two months but returned in 1995 to earn his doctorate degree. On May 17, 1997 he received his Ph.D. in philosophy.

In 1997, former Gov. Wallace planned to give Hood his degree, but poor health prevented Wallace from attending the ceremony. Wallace met with Hood in 1996 to apologize for his actions.