UC Black History Firsts

Three stone columns on pavement outside a brick building.

Facing the stairs leading up to the central entrance of Arts & Sciences Hall stands a row of three unassuming stone columns. On each, a metal plaque commemorates a Black graduate “first” for the University of Cincinnati: Henry M. Griffin, the first Black undergraduate diploma recipient in 1886; Alice May Easton, the first Black woman graduate in 1897; and William H. Parham, the first Black graduate diploma recipient in 1874. The University erected these humble memorials in 2022 as part of its recent attempt to bring attention to Black history on campus.

A round metal plaque with text. The words "William H. Parham, 1874" are centered on the plaque.
A close-up of the column commemorating William H. Parham, UC’s first Black graduate diploma recipient
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By fall 2023, local history, monuments & statues, PH Wild, race & diversity, University of Cincinnati