2.4 W. Sherman Savage, Lincoln University History Professor, 1921-60

Gaines studied History and Education at Lincoln and was frequently seen in Memorial Hall chatting with his mentors in the History Department, Drs. W. Sherman Savage and Lorenzo Greene about his future after graduation.

2.3 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Psi Chapter Lincoln University, 1934-35

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1.1 Lloyd Gaines: The Man, The Mission, & The Mystery

When great Civil Rights pioneers are discussed, the name Lloyd Gaines deserves to be mentioned. A man of humble beginnings, Gaines had dreams and goals for which he was willing to overcome outdated legal, social and educational systems do not only better himself but make a stand for his fellow man. The story of Lloyd Gaines is one of struggle, hope, success and injury. It is a life and legacy to be recognized, admired and celebrated.

1.2 Water Valley, Mississippi, Birthplace of Lloyd Gaines

Lloyd Gaines was born in Water Valley, Mississippi in 1911. Gaines’ family was sharecroppers outside the small Mississippi town, toiling in the cotton fields which caused Lloyd’s school attendance to be quite sporadic.

1.3 Lloyd and George Gaines in an undated photograph

Lloyd Gaines and his brother George Gaines in an undated photograph

1.4 Gaines Family Home at 3932 Weest Belle Place, St. Louis, Missouri

Following the death of Lloyd's father, his family, the size of which is reported to be anywhere from five to 11 siblings, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1926, settling in the city's Central West End neighborhood.

1.5 Vashon High School, Saint Louis, Missouri

After attending junior high school, Lloyd Gaines enrolled in Vashon High School two years later at the age of sixteen. Gaines proved to be an extremely talented student, especially excelling in history and English.

1.6 Lloyd Gaines, Valedictorian, Vashon Class of 1931

Lloyd Gaines also helped to support his family by selling magazine subscriptions. He graduated in 1931 after only three years and served as the Valedictorian of his class. As a senior, Gaines finished first in a local essay contest, winning a prize of $250 (equivalent to $3000 in modern currency) that he used to enroll as a student at Stowe Teachers College in St. Louis for the 1931-32 school year

1.7 Stowe Teachers College, Saint Louis, Missouri

In addition to attending Stowe, Lloyd continued with his magazine subscription sales to help support his family. After a year at the local college, Lloyd Gaines made the decision to transfer to Lincoln University in Jefferson City Missouri.

3.4 MU registrar informed Lloyd Gaines that he was not eligible to attend the University of Missouri due to the fact that Gaines was a Negro

After several weeks, Gaines finally received a reply to his application from Sy Woodson Canada, the MU registrar. Canada informed him that he was not eligible to attend the University of Missouri due to the fact that Gaines was a Negro and it was in conflict of Missouri state law for MU to admit him.

3.2 Lorenzo Greene, Lincoln University History Professor, 1933-72

In late August, Lloyd Gaines filled out an application after conferring with Dr. Lorenzo Greene and one of his civics instructors at Vashon High School, Zaid D. Lenoir.

3.1 University of Missouri Campus, 1930s

In the spring of 1935, Lloyd Gaines had requested a catalog from the University of Missouri.

3.8 Guy B. Park, 38th Governor, Missouri, 1933-37

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3.7 Frederick Middlebush, 13th President of University of Missouri, 1935-54

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3.6 William Masterson, Law School Dean, University of Missouri

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