Lyman T. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in Greek and a master’s degree in history. He became a high school teacher, but took two years off to serve in the military during World War II. When the war ended, Johnson returned home eager to fight racism and injustice in his own country. At that time, Kentucky subscribed to the “Day Law,” which did not allow Black and white people to attend the same colleges and universities. Working with other activists, Johnson applied to the University of Kentucky’s doctoral program in political science. Instead of admitting him, the University of Kentucky proposed sending their professors to provide him the courses he needed at Kentucky State College, a college for Black students. Johnson filed suit arguing that the separate instruction was not equal. The court agreed and found that the University’s proposed solution would be insufficient because Black students would not have an adequate library or research facilities. The court also suggested the professors would not make Johnson’s education a priority. The court ruled in Johnson's favor explaining that denying him admission to the University of Kentucky violated the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The court also concluded that Black students were entitled to be admitted to the graduate and professional schools of the University of Kentucky until the Commonwealth of Kentucky could provide graduate training for Black students at a separate and equal institution. When Johnson and other Black students began their studies, racists burned crosses in front of the university’s admissions building. Though Johnson did not finish his degree program, he continued advocating for equal rights for decades and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Kentucky in 1979. [281 words]