Repository:
Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: This collection documents Mary Frances Early, the first African American to graduate from the University of Georgia. Ms. Early's transcripts, grades, financial aid documents, photographs, diaries, and notebooks illustrate her student life. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1962, with her master's in music education, she worked for the Atlanta Public Schools and was involved in local, state and national educational organizations. Ms. Early's involvement with organizations such as Georgia Music Educators Association, National Endowment for the Arts, and Music Educators National Conference is illustrated by correspondence, photographs, and speeches. Also included are materials regarding her education at Clark Atlanta University (1957) and honors received from the University of Georgia Alumni Association and College of Education. The collection contains correspondence, photographs, programs and event files, official documents from the University of Georgia, diaries, and notebooks.
Mary Frances Early was born on June 14, 1936 in Atlanta, Georgia to John and Ruth Early. She attended Turner High School and went on to graduate from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) with a bachelor's degree in music education. She originally attended the University of Michigan, in 1960, for her graduate studies, but transferred to the University of Georgia in 1961. Earlier that year the university was integrated by Charlayne Hunter (Gault) and Hamilton Holmes, the first African Americans to enroll. In 1962, Mary Frances Early became the first African American to graduate, with her master's in music education, from the university. During her studies, Early was subject to discrimination and abuse from her peers. However, she returned to the university, in 1967, to complete her educational specialist degree and, in 2000, her achievements were formally recognized by the University of Georgia.
Ms. Early's extensive career in music education includes thirty-seven years of service in the Atlanta Public School System. She began as a music teacher, rising to area music supervisor, and eventually coordinator of music. In 1995, she became an adjunct professor at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. Later she served as the chairman of the music department at Clark Atlanta University. Ms. Early served as president of the Georgia Music Educators Association and has been involved with the Music Educators National Conference, College Music Society, and National Association of Schools of Music. Ms. Early's many honors and recognitions include the STAR Teacher Award (1972); Benjamin E. Mays Black Music Heritage Award (1995); UGA Outstanding Alumna Award (2000); and UGA Foot Soldier for Equal Justice Award (2011).
Additional Information:
Mary Frances Early, New Georgia Encyclopedia
Thomas G. Dyer, The University of Georgia: A Bicentennial History 1785-1985 (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1985).
Robert A. Pratt, We Shall Not Be Moved: The Desegregation of the University of Georgia (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2002).
Calvin Trillin, An Education in Georgia: The Integration of Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes (New York: Viking, 1964).
This collection documents Mary Frances Early's academic and professional life from the 1950s to 2012. The collection includes photographs from her time at University of Georgia, her work with the Atlanta Public Schools, and her international travels. Ms. Early's transcripts, grades, financial aid documents, personal diaries, and notebooks illustrate her student life (Series II). After graduating from the University of Georgia, Early worked with the Atlanta Public Schools and was involved in local, state and national educational organizations, documented in Series I. Her personal papers include presentations and files about her involvement with organizations like Georgia Music Educators Association, National Endowment for the Arts, and Music Educators National Conference. Series I also includes materials regarding her education at Clark Atlanta University and honors received from the University of Georgia Alumni Association and College of Education. The collection also contains letters of appreciation and support from students, colleagues, and numerous organizations.
This collection organized into two series: personal papers and University of Georgia files. The files are arranged in the original order provided by Ms. Early.
Mary Frances Early Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.
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