Pollie Anne Myers Pinkins facts for kids

Pollie Anne Myers-Pinkins (born Pollie Anne Myers; July 14, 1932 – March 17, 2003) was an American activist who worked for civil rights. She and Autherine Lucy were the first African American students accepted to the University of Alabama in 1952.

Early Life of Pollie Anne Myers-Pinkins

Pollie Anne Myers was born on July 14, 1932. Her parents were Alice Lamb and Henry Myers. She went to Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama. This was a historically black college, which are schools created to educate African American students.

Applying to the University of Alabama

On September 24, 1952, Pollie Anne Myers and her friend Autherine Lucy applied to the University of Alabama. They did not mention their race on the application. Both were accepted into the university.

It was Pollie Anne's idea to apply. She convinced Autherine Lucy to join her. Lucy later said she thought Pollie Anne was joking at first. The newspaper where Pollie Anne worked, the Birmingham World, celebrated their acceptance on its front page.

When the university found out who the students were, they tried to stop them from attending. On October 10, 1955, the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the United States, ordered the University of Alabama to let the two women attend.

More than three years later, the university allowed Autherine Lucy to enroll. However, they said Pollie Anne could not attend. They claimed she was not a suitable student. This was because she had married after becoming pregnant before marriage. This reason was used to prevent her from attending.

Later Life and Family

Pollie Anne Myers-Pinkins continued her education. She earned a master's degree in education from Wayne State University. She was married twice. Her second husband was Robert Pinkins. Pollie Anne had five children, three sons and two daughters. She passed away in Detroit, Michigan, in 2003.

Legacy and Scholarships

Pollie Anne Myers-Pinkins is remembered for her courage. The Black Alumni Association at the University of Alabama honors her. They give out a scholarship every year called the Pollie Anne Myers-Pinkins AAAN Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship helps students attend the university.