The Atlanta Inquirer

1st. Negro To Get Degree From Yankton

An Atlantan has become the first Negro to receive a degree from Yankton (South Dakota) College. Roosevelt Weaver of 1424 Eason NW, was awarded a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. He was a 1957 graduate of Turner High, and was a star track and field man at Yankton; he also played football. In all, he received letter for four years in track and football.

Weaver said that the restricted social life and the fact that there are very few Negroes in the South Dakota school account for the lack of Negro graduates. It's rather hard adjusting, he said. "Many Negroes just don't want to face it."
However, Weaver said he found it "really great." He said he found very few prejudices in the town and none on campus. Besides athletics, he was president of the campus YMCA. a member of the International Club, and director of youth activities at First Congregational Church,
"In the town he stated. 'there is only one Negro family. The people there accept them not on their color, but on the basis of what they represent."
He said it was not too hard for him to adjust. "but when I first arrived, being from the south. I was withdrawn from social activities. However, it was very easy within a few weeks. My contact with the townspeople came through athletics. Kids in the neighborhood first became attracted to me, and then their parents
He reported that the campus was in sympathy with the sit-in movement in the south, and student organizations sent letters of encouragement to demonstrators.
The near future holds graduate school for Weaver. but first a few months work, he said.

ROOSEVELT WEAVER