From the New York Times, Wednesday, May 30, 1956

Mrs. Fannie Ernestine Motley at exercises yesterday.

Mobile, Ala., May 29 (AP) Spring Hill College granted a degree today to Mrs. Fannie Ernestine Motley, first Negro to be graduated from the school in its 126 years. Mrs. Motley is the wife of the Rev. D. L. Motley, pastor of a Baptist church in near-by Plateau. She received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors.

Mrs. Motley was one of eighty-seven graduates. She entered Spring Hill two years ago after attending Selma, Ala., University and Alabama State Teachers College for Negroes at Montgomery.

Negroes have been permitted to attend night classes for several years. Day classes were opened to them two years ago. About twenty attended day classes during the last semester. They have taken part in the debating, band and similar activities. One was admitted to an honor society this year.