Page 20 - Salesianum - Distinguished Gentleman - Summer 2020

WHERE MODERN MEN BEGIN
Pioneer of Integration Receives Diploma
In 1950, Salesianum’s Principal, Fr. Thomas Lawless, OSFS, made the historic decision to racially integrate the school by admitting five African American students well before it was mandated by the courts. Fred Smith (pictured in tuxedo) was one of the five courageous students who paved the way for future generations of minority students to walk Salesianum’s halls. Fred pursued his Salesian education until his senior year, but unfortunately had to leave school due to a military commitment and did not graduate with his class.
During Salesianum’s formal graduation ceremonies on May 31, 2019, the historic commitment to integration, along with Fred’s emotional story, was detailed by
Salesianum President Brendan Kennealey ’84. The audience was electrified by the gravity of the moment and the raw emotions that continue to surround racial inequality both then and now.
Nearly 65 years later, and kept as a closely guarded secret, Fred Smith was at last presented with a Salesianum diploma. He was accompanied on stage by his only surviving African American classmate, James Owens ’53. This historic moment in time brought the audience and the Class of 2019 to their feet and will serve as an ongoing reminder of our patron saint Francis de Sales’ timeless words, “We must never undervalue any person . . . God is present everywhere, and every person is His work.”
18 DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN | Summer 2020