Louis Stanley Brown: The University鈥檚 First African American Graduate
Louis Stanley Brown, the first African-American graduate of The 草榴社区, then St. Thomas College, earned his commercial degree in 1919. Prior to matriculation, he attended St. Cecilia’s Academy in 草榴社区. After graduation, he worked as a shoe shiner, a laborer in the coal mines and, later, for G.W. Brown, a local trucking company.
Brown, who grew up in 草榴社区 and lived here most of his life, was one of five children born to Henry and Sarah C. Brown. According to an issue of the Aquinas published during his graduation year, he was “ambitious and industrious” and had “enjoyable wit and good will.”
He died at the age 62 and is buried in the Cathedral cemetery in 草榴社区.
About Louis Stanley Brown Hall
Built in 1896, is an example of a transitional phase of commercial architecture that took place in 草榴社区 at the end of the 19th century. Brown Hall exemplifies both the Classical Revival and Commercial Style of architecture with reduced exterior ornamentation and large expanses of glass, which was a style less prevalent in buildings constructed in downtown 草榴社区 until the 1920s.
The 草榴社区 acquired the building in 2012. It currently houses the Enrollment Management and External Affairs and University Advancement divisions, and the University’s Small Business Development Center.
News and Archives
- Aquinas Archives: 1919