Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Henry and Shirley Frye were given keys to the city (Greensboro, NC) in recognition and honor of their life long dedication as civil right pioneers. The Fryes have left a legacy throughout the state of North Carolina. They are two leaders who helped intergrate communities, many efforts initiated right here in Greensboro, NC.
Justice Henry Frye was fueled by discrimination he experienced on August 25, 1956 when he was denied his right to vote after serving this country in the Air Force. He began to work to build an equitable America and became one of the first African American law students to integrate UNC Chapel Hill law school. In 1959, he became the first African American student to complete the UNC School of Law program within 3 years. His continued hard work and dedication led to a series of additional firsts: the first African American assistant U.S. district attorney (1963); the first Black man in the 20th century to be elected to the N.C. General Assembly (1968); the first African American appointed to the N.C. Supreme Court (1983); and the first African American chief justice of the N.C. Supreme Court (1999).
While continuously working against discrimination and oppression, he also remained dedicated to Greensboro through other endeavors such as establishing Greensboro National Bank to fight against discrimination against black business owners in the city.
Shirley T. Frye has also been a devoted community leader. She led the integration of Greensboro’s two segregated YWCAs in the 1970s, serving as the new organization’s first president and with her work used as a model for YWCAs across the country. The city’s newest YWCA building is named in her honor. Additionally, she chaired the steering committee for Action Greensboro, served on the Greensboro City Schools Board of Education and in leadership positions at United Way of Greater Greensboro, N.C. A&T Real Estate Foundation Board, High Point University Board of Trustees and others.
North Carolina A&T drumline “Cold Steel” kicked off the celebration of the couple’s legacy. Approximately 100 people gathered to watch the historical moment.
Justice Henry Frye said that everyone has the potential to leave a positive impact in his acceptance speech. “I believe that everybody can do something and that you should choose to do whatever that good something is. You may get it done, but if not, you tried,” he said.
We are proud to have them as members of Gate City Alumni Chapter.