Mary Frances Early virtual book launch: 'The Quiet Trailblazer: My Journey as the First Black Graduate of the University of Georgia'

• Date: Tuesday, Sept. 28
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Register today

Mary Frances Early will discuss her new autobiography that details her journey as the first Black graduate of the University of Georgia. During this livestream event, Early will participate in a book discussion with UGA women’s basketball coach Joni Taylor. The viewing link will be provided via email to all registrants 24 hours before the event.

Early made history on August 16, 1962, when she became the first Black graduate of UGA. She earned a master’s degree in music education, later returning to UGA to earn a specialist in education degree in 1967. Early is a civil rights icon and pioneering music educator who inspired and influenced generations of students, schools, and Black communities. She played an integral role in the campaign for racial equality at UGA and across the South and remains a tireless advocate in the field of education.

On February 25, 2020, the University celebrated the naming of the College of Education in honor of Early. She recently wrote her autobiography, “The Quiet Trailblazer: My Journey as the First Black Graduate of the University of Georgia,” which was published by the Mary Frances Early College of Education and the University of Georgia Libraries and distributed by the University of Georgia Press.