Creator: Lee, J. Kenneth (John Kenneth), 1923-
Collection number: 4782
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Abstract: J. Kenneth Lee, lawyer of Greensboro, N.C., who became one of the first two African Americans to attend the University of North Carolina. Lee received his Juris Doctoris degree in 1952 and was subsequently involved in over 1,700 civil rights lawsuits during his 38 years of legal practice. Papers relating primarily to J. Kenneth Lee’s lawsuit to attend the University of North Carolina’s School of Law, where, in June 1951, he and Harvey Beech became the first African Americans to enroll after a lengthy lawsuit and appeal against the University. Included ara copies of court papers, photographs of Beech and Lee registering and attending class, and copies of newspaper clipings describing the court battle and the University’s reaction.Also included are some materials pertaining to the Law School at the North Carolina College at Durham (formerly the North Carolina College for Negroes and currently North Carolina Central University).
Repository: Southern Historical Collection
Collection Highlights: . Papers relate primarily to J. Kenneth Lee’s lawsuit to attend the University of North at Chapel Hill’s School of Law, where, in June 1951, he and Harvey Beech became the first African Americans to enroll after a lengthy lawsuit and appeal against the University. Included are copies of court papers, as well as copies of newspaper clippings describing the court battle and the University’s reaction. Also included are some materials pertaining to the Law School at the North Carolina College at Durham (formerly the North Carolina College for Negroes and currently North Carolina Central University).
Of particular interest are the photographs of Lee and Harvey Beech registering for class at UNC Chapel Hill in 1955.