TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Aug 10, 2022

Ralph Prater, who pioneered integration at what is now the University of Memphis, died Aug. 7, the Commercial Appeal reports. Prater was one of first Black students to enroll at what was then known as Memphis State in 1959. Along with students Rose Blakney, Sammie Burnett, Eleanor Gandy, Marvis LaVerne Kneeland, Luther McClellan, Bertha Mae Rogers and John Simpson, the group became known as the “Memphis State Eight.” His death leaves just Rogers and McClellan still living. In response, the university said Prater's impact on the institution and community “is immeasurable” and it “will forever celebrate his remarkable courage and legacy.”