Hamilton E. Holmes (8 July 1941 – 26 October 1995) was an American orthopedic physician. He and Charlayne Hunter-Gault were the first two African-American students admitted to the University of Georgia. Additionally, Holmes was the first African-American student to attend the Emory University School of Medicine, where he earned his M.D. degree in 1967, later becoming a professor of orthopedics and associate dean at the school.
Early life
Holmes was born July 8, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia. His father, Alfred, was an Atlanta businessman and his mother, Isabella, was a teacher. His grandfather, Hamilton Mayo Holmes, was a physician, and was one of Hamilton's influences. His grandfather and uncle, Oliver Wendell Holmes, helped to desegregate golf courses in Atlanta in 1955. In his high school years, Holmes attended Henry McNeal Turner High School, which at the time was considered one of the most prestigious high schools for African-Americans in Atlanta. He graduated in 1959 as valedictorian. He was also a member of his high school's football and basketball teams. chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha at Morehouse College. In January 1961, both Holmes and Hunter were admitted to UGA.
During his time at UGA, Holmes would generally keep to himself. He lived off campus, and on the weekends, he would return home to Atlanta where he continued his membership with the Morehouse College chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha until 1963. Holmes was a member of Phi Beta Kappa fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi Honors fraternity.
Emory University and medical career
After graduating from the University of Georgia, Holmes became the first African-American student to be accepted to the Emory University School of Medicine. He graduated in 1967 and began his residency at Detroit General Hospital. He then left in 1969 to serve as an Army Ranger in Germany, before returning to Emory to complete his residency. He eventually opened up a private practice in Atlanta, later becoming a professor and associate dean at Emory, and the medical director and head orthopedic surgeon at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Personal life
Holmes was married to Marilyn Vincent Holmes. They had two children; a son, Hamilton Jr., who is also a University of Georgia alumnus, and a daughter, Alison.