Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes (1941-1995) was a physician (orthopedist) who helped desegregate the University of Georgia as one of the first two African-American students (along with Charlayne Hunter-Gault) in 1961, where he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He was also the first African-American student to attend the Emory University School of Medicine, receiving his M.D. in 1967, later becoming a professor of orthopedics and associate dean. He died in 1995 of heart failure.
Several landmarks have been named in his honor, including an elementary school in East Point, Georgia (Aug. 11 2004), Hamilton E. Holmes Drive (Highway 280 in Fulton County, Georgia), and Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA station. The first endowed professorship at the University of Georgia named for an African-American was created in his name on Nov. 11, 1999.
References
