Black Lawmaker Honored by School He Couldn’t Attend
TROY, Ala. — A university that 31 years ago reportedly refused to admit John Lewis because he was black awarded the congressman an honorary degree Friday.
Lewis, a Georgia Democrat, was given the honorary doctor of laws degree by Troy State University Chancellor Ralph Adams. Lewis, who made no remarks during spring commencement, was applauded by 700 graduates and audience members.
Lewis is a native of Pike County, where Troy State is situated. He said that in 1958 he applied for admission to what was then Troy State College but never received a response from the then all-white school.
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