McClellan was one of the Memphis State Eight, who desegregated the university in September 1959.
Eight Black students, known collectively as Memphis State Eight, desegregated the school in September 1959.
As WREG reported, McClellan’s passing was honored in statements from University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave and the university’s Black Alumni Chapter.
“We are truly blessed for everything McClellan has done for the black community at the University as well as the University as a whole. His legacy will continue through each of us and we will continue celebrating his remarkable impact, courage, and legacy,” the Black Alumni Chapter stated.
“The University of Memphis is deeply saddened by the passing of Luther C. McClellan,” Hardgrave said. “As a member of the Memphis State Eight and the first African American graduate at our institution, Luther was a trailblazer for our university and a beloved member of the Tiger Family. His perseverance paved the way for many and allowed the UofM to become the institution it is today. He will be missed and forever remembered.”
We have lost a giant. Brother Luther C. McClellan was the first Black person to graduate from @uofmemphis. He wasn’t allowed to eat in the cafeteria or stay in the dorms. Thank you Mr. McClellan for your commitment to your education & ours. This Black Tiger is grateful. #memphis pic.twitter.com/vqUL23BUDU— Tami Sawyer (@tamisawyer) July 14, 2024
I’m not a @uofmemphis alumnus w/o Mr. Luther C. McClellan & The Memphis State Eight. He was the first Black graduate of Memphis State University. The MS8 were the first Black students to integrate MSU in 1959. Every Black UofM student owes the MS8 debts of gratitude for what 1/2 pic.twitter.com/QDaFIdtNYk— Frank Scott, Jr. (@FrankScottJr) July 14, 2024
Approved by BOT today:-Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall in honor of the first Black graduate of UofM -Maxine A. Smith University Center for her work w/ NAACP desegregating Memphis Public Schools-Marker recognzing Dr. Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon, first Black faculty member @ UofM pic.twitter.com/i2oO3xKGst— Dr. M. David Rudd (@UofMPastPres) December 2, 2020
Along with McClellan, the Memphis State Eight included Rose Blakney-Love, Eleanor Gandy, Sammie Johnson, Marvis Kneeland Jones, Bertha Rogers Looney, Ralph Prater, and John Simpson.
He continued, “I just challenged myself to focus on doing my work. If another student wanted to speak to me, that was fine with me. That was my stance on it, and it worked for me. My classmates weren’t going to buck the system and become my friend, but I do think they knew that all people were created equal.”
According to Action News 5, McClellan’s daughter, Laverne McClellan Trent, posted on social media that no funeral arrangements have yet been made. “Soliciting your prayers. My dad Luther McClellan passed away yesterday afternoon. No arrangements have been made yet. Thank God his soul is at rest.”
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Source: Black Enterprise
