University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s First African American Undergraduate Student Weighs in on Racial

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's first African-American student, Theotis Robinson.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- In the height of what seems to be the Twenty First Century’s Civil Rights' movement, Theotis Robinson takes a look back on his legacy at the University of Tennessee and the racial tension in the United States.

Robinson grew up here in Knoxville and spoke on the hardships he faced as an African-American in the south.

Attending high school in the only black high school in Knoxville, he was automatically denied acceptance into the university.

But this lead Robinson to become what he claims as to be the only person in the College of Communication and Information’s panel discussion, “Diversity & Inclusion: Profiles in Courage,” to have actually met Dr. Andy Holt, the sixteenth president of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. With this phrase, Robinson quickly caught the attention of every person in the room.

Robinson and other members of the “Diversity & Inclusion: Profiles in Courage" Panel Discussion.

That meeting occurred just after he had been denied admission twice to the university. Dr. Holt then referred him to the board of trustees, where he threatened to sue over denied admission. On January 4th, 1961, Robinson became the first African-American undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Robinson also reflected on learning about the preparation for his arrival at the university. He said “I didn’t realize that campus police were shadowing me to make sure that nothing happened, that nobody attacked me or did anything like that.”

This seems to be a longshot from what is seen in the media today about police brutality in African-American communities. He claims that the media only portrays what gets ratings and viewership for profit, not what is really happening.

When asked about what today’s generation can do about the racial tension in the United States, Robinson said “Don’t just follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before you, because what had gone before me was unacceptable. And I had to challenge it.”

He also urged those in the audience to access the information available and become educated on issues. He continued in an attempt to encourage students to get active and make their voice known, especially in the upcoming election.