By Lois Russell
Alabama State University will honor one of its civil rights icons with the dedication of Jo Ann Robinson Hall on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.
On September 17, 2021, the ASU Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., voted to rename the historic freshman residence hall. The change was made after research was done to identify campus buildings that bore the names of leaders of racist organizations.
“We are proud to rename this facility in honor of former ASU professor Jo Ann Robinson, an unsung hero who was central to the planning and successful execution of the Montgomery Bus Boycott,” Ross said. “She was one of the many heroes of the Civil Rights Movement who had strong ties to Alabama State University. Professor Robinson’s name will forever be part of ASU’s history and having her name affixed to one of our oldest residence halls is just one way that we can commemorate her work for social justice.”
The featured speaker for the event will be Attorney Fred Gray. The internationally recognized civil rights leader was a close friend and fellow activist with Robinson.
The event will begin at 11 a.m. in front of the residence hall, located at 1050 Tullibody Drive on the ASU campus.