Trailblazers at LSU: Honoring Black History Month
February 14, 2025
LSU takes pride in honoring the pioneers who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.
These individuals not only made history at LSU but also left an indelible mark on their fields, inspiring countless students and scholars to follow in their footsteps.
Pinkie Gordon Lane: A Literary Trailblazer
Pinkie Gordon Lane was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for this compilation of poetry.
– Cover of Mystic Female, 1978
Before becoming Louisiana’s first Black Poet Laureate in 1989, Pinkie Gordon Lane achieved several historic milestones at LSU. She became the first Black woman to earn a doctorate from LSU, receiving her PhD in English in 1967. Lane’s contributions to literature extended far beyond academia—she was a Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet and a dedicated educator.
She also made history as the first woman to chair Southern University’s English Department. Her legacy lives on through her poetry and the generations of writers and students she inspired. LSU's graduate school was renamed the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School in 2022.
LSU President William F. Tate said at the time of the announcement, "Her work educating youth, her dedication to furthering her own education, no matter the odds, and her contributions to American literature and poetry, embodies the message of Scholarship First and the spirit of graduate studies.
"Honoring Black pioneers like Dr. Lane and recognizing their courage, strength, and formidable spirit strengthens our community as a whole. The (LSU) Board (of Supervisors) has also voted to honor several other remarkable individuals, naming the Lutrill and Pearl Payne School of Education and Julian T. White Hall."
Lutrill and Pearl Payne: Pioneers of Integration
Lutrill Payne faced adversity when he was initially denied admission to the LSU Graduate School. However, his resilience and determination led to a successful legal challenge, allowing him to enroll in a vocational agriculture class in 1951 — making him LSU’s first Black graduate student.
In 1952, his wife, Mrs. Pearl Payne, enrolled in the LSU Graduate School to pursue a Master of Education degree. She commuted from Natchitoches to Baton Rouge weekly to attend classes. In 1953, she became one of the first African American women to earn a master’s degree in education from LSU. Mrs. Payne’s teaching career spanned 37 years.
Their perseverance and courage played a crucial role in integrating LSU’s Graduate School, opening doors for countless students who followed in their footsteps. Their work was honored when the LSU School of Education was renamed the Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education.
Julian T. White: A Visionary in Architecture
Julian T. White was a trailblazer in architecture and education. As one of the first Black licensed architects in Louisiana, White made history again when he became LSU’s first Black professor, joining the Architecture Department in 1971.
While teaching, he continued his work as a commercial architect, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. His contributions enriched LSU’s academic community and inspired a new generation of architects who benefited from his knowledge and mentorship.
Ashten White by the Julian T. White Atrium Memorial Mural
– Photo Courtesy of Ashten White
The LSU College of Art & Design commissioned a memorial mural in his honor inside the LSU Design Building atrium. The building was renamed the Julian T. White Hall in 2022.
Julian’s granddaughter Ashten White shared his creativity and enrolled at LSU to study Art and Design. The December 2024 graduate is an artist who chose to finish her degree at LSU to continue sharpening her skills and to “explore new mediums and challenge my creativity.”
“I feel truly blessed to have had a close, personal relationship with my grandfather, Julian T. White,” Ashten said. “His guidance continues to shape my life and the choices I make for the future.”
“As LSU’s first Black professor, I know he never sought the recognition he received from the university. Many of his former students have shared how deeply he cared for all of them, regardless of their age, race, or background. His kindness and civility have left a lasting impact on the LSU community. I hope the mural in the art building inspires students who may feel out of place, reminding them that they are exactly where they are meant to be.”
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