Heman Marion Sweatt

Despite outstanding academic credentials, Heman Marion Sweatt was denied admission to the University of Texas School of Law in February 1946 because he was Black. In May 1946, he challenged the university's segregationist admissions policies by filing suit against T. S. Painter, president of the University of Texas, in the 126th Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas. Supported by the NAACP, Thurgood Marshall later argued Sweatt v. Painter in the Travis County Courthouse. The trial judge ruled against Sweatt and upheld the university's policy of refusing to admit persons of color. On June 5, 1950, after a four-year court battle, the United States Supreme Court reversed the 126th District Court and ordered Sweatt admitted to the University of Texas Law School as its first Black student. Through his courage, perseverance, and sacrifice, he helped ensure the opportunity to achieve a higher education for all persons in Texas and throughout the United States.

Austin, Texas · United States