Bridwell Library Exhibit Highlights First Five African Americans To Graduate From SMU

On May 30, 1955, A. Cecil Williams, James V. Lyles, James A. Hawkins, John W. Elliott and Negail R. Riley made history by becoming the first African Americans to graduate from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. Bridwell Library’s 60th-anniversary exhibition highlights their accomplishments after seminary as distinguished church and community leaders.