Historically black Alabama State University removes the name of former governor and KKK leader from residence hall
A historically black university in Alabama has renamed a dormitory that honored a one-time governor who also led a Ku Klux Klan chapter nearly a century ago.
Workers at Alabama State University removed the name 'Bibb Graves' from a residence hall on Wednesday. The building had carried Graves' name since 1928, when he served as the head of a state government that constitutionally mandated white supremacy.
At least two other state schools also have renamed campus buildings that honored Graves, who was known as a pro-education, progressive governor despite leading a KKK chapter in the capital city. Klan membership was so large at the time that politicians used connections in the racist terror group to win votes.
Bibb Graves Hall, the main administrative building at the University of North Alabama in Florence is to be be renamed. Graves, a one-time governor, also led a Ku Klux Klan chapter
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, right, meets with officials from southern states, including Alabama Gov.-elect Bibb Graves, left, and Florida Gov. David Sholtz in November 1934
Alabama State President Quinton T. Ross Jr. said the idea of replacing the building's name had been discussed at least as far back as when he was a student at the school, located a few miles from the Alabama Capitol.
'This is something that we have planned to do for several months,' said ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., in a statement. 'I established a committee to research the names that are on our buildings to determine those who were closely associated with racist organizations, such as the Ku Klux Klan. Bibb Graves was a Klan leader at one point, so the decision was made to remove his name from the building.'
Ross said the university will now begin a process to rename the residence hall.
'Many of our alumni have asked for this to happen. It was a topic of discussion as far back as my days as GA president,' said Ross. 'I am proud that we are able to make this happen during my tenure as president of the university.'
Alabama State trustees voted to rename the building earlier this year during the national discussion generated by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The school has yet to decide on a new name for the residence hall.
Troy University has renamed its Bibb Graves Hall for the late Rep. John Lewis, the civil rights icon who grew up near campus and died earlier this year.
The University of Montevallo, near Birmingham, voted to rename buildings honoring Graves and Braxton Bragg Comer, who worked to maintain remnants of the old plantation system as governor.
David Bibb Graves served two terms as Alabama Governor. He was also the leader of a Ku Klux Klan chapter. He eventually resigned from the Klan denouncing its violence in the late 1920s
Comer, who served four years beginning in 1907, was considered progressive but worked to maintain systems rooted in the state's old plantation system, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama. Also a progressive, Graves was a Ku Klux Klan leader who served four-year terms as governor beginning in 1927 and 1935.
The university said in a news release that both men 'were staunch supporters of segregation and white supremacy.'
According to the Alabama Department of Archives and History, Graves was the was Grand Cyclops of the Montgomery chapter of the Ku Klux Klan when he took office.
The department said he also advocated some policies that were considered progressive at the time including increased aid to educational and social services.
David Bibb Graves resigned from the Klan and denounced its violence in the late 1920s, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama.
Troy University has renamed its Bibb Graves Hall for the late Rep. John Lewis, the civil rights icon who grew up near campus and died earlier this year
Bibb Graves Hall on the campus of the University of Alabama is pictured