#ThrowbackThursday to 2013: James Hood Dies: Defied Wallace; Integrated U of Alabama

Photo credit: The Birmingham News/Tamika Moore

Author's Note:  This is a repost of one of my pieces, then breaking news, which originally appeared elsewhere on January 18, 2013. I'm reproducing it here as part of my archive of works for Black History Month.

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A hero left us yesterday.

James Hood, one of two African American students determined to attend the whites-only University of Alabama, has died at age 70. James Hood, one of two African American students determined to attend the whites-only University of Alabama, has died at age 70.

Attribution unknown

In 1963, Mr. Hood and Vivian Malone defied Alabama's racist governor George Wallace, and a racist power structure and populace, to avail themselves of the right to a public college education.