September marks the month 50 years ago when the college was finally integrated. On September 18, 1963, Valdosta natives Drewnell Thomas and Robert Pierce Jr. were the first black students to enroll in the college.

On Wednesday, city, county, and school leaders gathered to celebrate the milestone. The Heritage Celebration cookout kicked off the day followed by a proclamation ceremony honoring the significance of the university’s history.

VSU has events planned throughout the year honoring the 50th anniversary.

Read more from WALB here.