This image of Governor George Wallace blocking the entrance to the University of Alabama is one of the most recognized of all the images from the civil rights period. On June 11, 1963, Wallace, surrounded by Alabama state troopers, confronted and blocked Assistant U.S. Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach and the African American students from entering the university. President Kennedy had to federalize the National Guard and send them to the campus to assist with the integration process. Wallace did eventually step aside and allow the students to register.
Warren K. Leffler, photographer.
Governor George Wallace attempting to block integration at the University of Alabama, 1963.
Gelatin silver print.
U.S. News & World Report Magazine Collection,
Prints and Photographs Division (174A)
Digital ID # ppmsca 04294