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September 1, 2016

Ollen B. Hinnant II (UK Law ’55), who passed away at the age of 85 on August 4, 2016, left behind three children and one grandson.

But, he also left behind an enduring legacy at the University of Kentucky College of Law as the first African-American student to graduate from the law school. A native of Lexington and a 1952 graduate of Kentucky State University, Hinnant helped change the course of the institution and the Commonwealth.

"The history of the University of Kentucky is marked by pioneers in teaching, research, care, and - in important ways - by individuals whose intellectual achievement and actions cast open our doors so that many who share similar goals can follow," said President Capilouto. "Even in the periods of our history where we fell short in our promise, there were champions who taught us and made this institution a better place. Ollen Hinnant was one of those people on the way to a transformative legal career. The beneficiaries of Ollen Hinnant's legacy will continue in that important work as lawyers and lawmakers." 

After overcoming various forms of intentional discrimination during law school, Hinnant went on to achieve professional success. He became the first African-American lawyer for State Farm Insurance in Montclair, NJ, a member of the National Bar Association Hall of Fame, assistant general counsel in the International Law Department at Prudential Insurance Co., and the special assistant to the Chairman of the board for Prudential. Eventually, he returned to private practice in Lexington and, in 1997, became the first African-American inducted in the UK Law Hall of Fame.

“Like Lyman T. Johnson before him, he was willing to challenge the racial status quo, persevere, and ultimately champion the desegregation of the UK College of Law,” said long-time friend Chester Grundy (UK ’69). “He was a transitional figure in the history of this university and his legacy is a shining one. We are a better, more democratic institution because of the contribution of Ollen Hinnant.”

According to Grundy, who served alongside Hinnant as an active member of the University of Kentucky Lyman T. Johnson Alumni group, his friend was a familiar figure on campus.

“I was always impressed with Mr. Hinnant's desire to contribute, to be of service and value, and to support our efforts to recruit and successfully graduate students of color in any way he could,” said Grundy.

Hinnant was a trailblazer who paved the way for minorities in the legal community for not only his generation but many to come. Since Hinnant’s remarkable achievement, UK Law has graduated its first African-American woman student, Beverly J. Odom; hired its first African-American woman faculty member, Roberta Harding; hired its first African-American dean, David A. Brennen; hired its first full-time Latino Law professor, Albertina Antognini; and admitted its most racially diverse class of law students in its 108-year history in 2009 and 2010.

“Ollen B. Hinnant was able to do something that had never been done before – and he didn’t let anything stand in his way,” said UK Law Dean David A. Brennen. “He inspired others to dream bigger, opening the door of opportunity for minorities. Because of pioneers like him, UK Law experienced many other ‘firsts’ in racial progress.”

Continuing the Legacy
Last year, the UK College of Law celebrated a critical role in its history – the 60th anniversary of Hinnant’s graduation from law school. In recognition of this milestone, a group of alumni established a scholarship bearing his name to honor what Hinnant lived for – providing support and opportunity to underrepresented applicants who aspire to pursue legal careers. The fund will ensure that future deserving students, those who contribute to the diversity of the law school, have the opportunity to attain a legal education.

Hinnant held many roles over his lifetime – husband, father, friend, lawyer, civil rights activist – and to the legal community, a UK Law Legacy.