Clara Belle Drisdale Williams (1885–1993) made history as the first African American woman to graduate from New Mexico State University, achieving this milestone despite facing relentless discrimination. During the 1930s, she was not allowed to sit inside classrooms because of her race. Instead, Clara stood in hallways, listening through open doors, taking meticulous notes as professors lectured to students inside.
When she graduated in 1937, the university still refused to let her walk with her class to receive her diploma. But Clara never allowed prejudice to define her path or limit her purpose.
After earning her degree, she devoted her life to teaching. She educated generations of Black children during the day and led evening classes for adults—many of them formerly enslaved or denied formal schooling—believing deeply in the power of literacy and opportunity. At home, she instilled the same values in her three sons, all of whom went on to become respected physicians.
Decades later, the university that once excluded her sought to make things right. In 1980, New Mexico State University awarded Clara an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and issued a long-overdue apology for the discrimination she endured.
Today, Clara Belle Williams stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, dignity, and the life-changing impact of education for those determined to rise above injustice.