Troy University has changed the name of a building on campus to John Robert Lewis Hall in honor of the iconic civil rights hero and congressman who passed away earlier in 2020.

Lewis, a native of Troy, attempted to enroll at the university as a young man in the 1950s, but was denied admission because of his race.

The building was previously named Bibb Graves Hall after a former governor of Alabama who was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Troy’s Board of Trustees voted to make the change on Wednesday morning.

“John Lewis is a towering figure in American history, whose leadership and advocacy for non-violent change have left a lasting legacy for us all,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, chancellor of the university.

In what could be seen as a sign of the progress that Lewis helped bring about, the university that once would not let him attend on account of his race welcomed him in his later years and awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in 1989.

“He visited our campuses several times and was a profound influence on many of us. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for choosing to honor this Pike County native with this name change,” remarked Hawkins.

Details about a ceremony officially dedicating the newly named building will be announced soon according to the school.

“I am proud of my fellow Board members for unanimously approving the resolution to honor Congressman John Lewis,” said Gibson Vance, president pro tempore of the Troy Board of Trustees.

“John Lewis’ character, spirit and selflessness reflect the values we strive to embrace every day at Troy University,” he concluded.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95