50th Anniversary of African Americans in Residence

Ms. Moss is a storyteller, narrator, keynote speaker and author. Her performances encourage pride of heritage, appreciation of cultural differences and recognition of kinship, as well as inspire imagination, motivation, reflection and inquiry. 

Opera in Williamsburg will present a melange of scenes from Black operas. This performance is part of the year-long celebration to observe the 50th Anniversary of African Americans in Residence at William & Mary.

Walking tour of significant historical sites in African American history at William & Mary. The tour will be conducted by Dr. Terry Meyers, Chancellor Professor of English, Emeritus and Mallory Walker, Mosaic Fellow, Swem Library Sites. 

Lynn Briley '71, Karen Ely '71, and Janet Brown Strafer '71, M.Ed. '77, the first African American students in residence at William & Mary, will discuss their experiences integrating the university and answer questions from the audience.

An awards dinner to honor Lynn Briley '71, Karen Ely '71, and Janet Brown Strafer '71, M.Ed. '77, the first African American students in residence at William & Mary, as well as to recognize other achievements of William & Mary's African American alumni. 

Please join us at a plaque dedication ceremony to commemorate 50 Years African-Americans at William & Mary and 100 Years of Women at William & Mary by honoring the first African-American women graduates and the first 24 women to enroll as students at W&M.

Brave Enough to be First serves to honor the legacy of the three women who were the first African Americans in residence at William & Mary, to shed light on just how far we have come, and to inspire continued diversity and inclusion.