Albert Davis Day: Part II

Former Alcoa star reflects on integration, historic Vol scholarship offer and becoming a high school principal

Albert Davis looks back on a history-making ride through the 1960s from the garage of his childhood home. Photo by Jolanda Jansma

By Stefan Cooper
Editor
Blount Press Row

Albert Lee “Sonny” Davis made history on Sept. 13, 1963.

Albert Davis signs scholarship papers with the University of Tennessee in this 1967 photo. Seated with Davis, from left, are his father, Jefferson Davis, mother, Annabelle, and Alcoa coach Jack Raby. Standing at center is Vols coach Doug Dickey. Photo courtesy of David Duggan

That night at Everett, the Alcoa High School freshman running back became the first black athlete to play in an integrated high school game in Blount County.