Trailblazer’s Legacy Celebrated with Prestigious Endowment
The University of Oklahoma has established the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Chair in Civil Rights, Race and Justice in Law, honoring the pioneering legacy of Ada Sipuel Fisher, the first Black woman to attend an all-white law school in the South.
This endowed chair, funded by over $1 million in donations, will empower future lawyers through teaching, research, and advocacy in the realm of civil rights and racial justice.
“She vowed to bring enlightenment to the position, noting that she had ‘suffered severely from bigotry and racial discrimination as a student,’” a statement from the university said, highlighting Fisher’s unwavering determination and commitment to equality.
Overcoming Adversity and Breaking Barriers
Fisher’s journey to integrate the University of Oklahoma Law School was fraught with obstacles and discrimination.
After being rejected solely based on her race, she sought representation from the NAACP’s Thurgood Marshall, eventually leading to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that ended segregation for Black students in graduate programs.
Despite being admitted, Fisher endured blatant racism, forced to sit in a segregated section of the classroom and cafeteria. Her perseverance and courage in the face of adversity paved the way for generations of Black students to pursue higher education without discrimination.
Honoring a Pioneering Spirit and Commitment to Justice
The Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Chair in Civil Rights, Race and Justice in Law serves as a testament to Fisher’s unwavering spirit and dedication to civil rights.
Through this endowment, the University of Oklahoma aims to uphold her legacy by empowering future legal professionals to champion equality, dismantle systemic racism, and promote justice for all.
