Gwendolyn Elaine Armstrong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gwendolyn E. Armstrong
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| Education | Rowan High School |
| Alma mater | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Occupation | Civil rights activist, jazz singer |
| Known for | Integrating the University of Southern Mississippi at Hattiesburg |
Gwendolyn Elaine Armstrong was an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. In September 1965, she and Raylawni Branch made history. They were the first Black students to attend the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
Their brave actions helped end segregation at universities in Mississippi. Other pioneers like Clyde Kennard, James Meredith, and Richard E. Holmes had already started this important work. Gwendolyn and Raylawni helped complete it.
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About Gwendolyn Elaine Armstrong
Gwendolyn Armstrong finished high school in 1965. She graduated from Rowan High School in Hattiesburg. She wanted to go to college very much. However, she needed to stay home to care for her mother, who was ill.
The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) offered to help her. This group worked for equal rights for Black people. They supported Gwendolyn's plan to attend the local university. This university had only allowed white students before. The NAACP also asked Raylawni Branch, another local civil rights activist, to join Gwendolyn. Raylawni would be there to offer support.
Bravery in a Difficult Time
It took a lot of courage for both young women to enroll. Gwendolyn was only 18 years old and had little experience with such big challenges. She knew the dangers of trying to break segregation rules. She had grown up hearing about Clyde Kennard. He was a Black man who tried to enroll at the same university years earlier. He was wrongly sent to prison.
By 1965, other universities in Mississippi had already started to integrate. Ole Miss had integrated with some violence. Mississippi State University had integrated peacefully. Leaders at the University of Southern Mississippi knew they could no longer stop integration.
University Leaders' Secret Plans
Dr. William David McCain, the university president, and his staff made secret plans. They wanted to make sure Gwendolyn and Raylawni could attend safely. They even appointed a faculty member to guide and mentor each student.
The campus police had strict orders. They had to prevent any problems involving the two Black students. University leaders also asked student athletes and social leaders to help keep the peace. They wanted to avoid bad publicity, like what happened at Ole Miss.
Gwendolyn's College Experience
Because of these plans, Gwendolyn had very few negative experiences. She studied music and singing. She even helped the university choir win a championship! Raylawni Branch said they were "treated just like everybody else."
After college, in 1968, Gwendolyn pursued a short career as a jazz singer. She recorded music in Nashville under the name Elaine Armstrong. Her music was released on King Records.
Support and Mentorship
When Gwendolyn and Raylawni were on campus, they had six bodyguards. The university also appointed Dr. Geoffrey Fish as Gwendolyn's guardian and tutor. He was an oceanographer who taught biology. Dr. Fish truly cared about both women. He gave them advice and helped them find work-study jobs. He was very kind and listened to them, acting like a father figure.
