𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝐻𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ: 𝐻𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐿𝑡. 𝐶𝑜𝑙. 𝑅𝑎𝑦𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑛𝑖 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐ℎ

Raylawni Branch, a Hattiesburg native born in 1941, is a civil rights pioneer, decorated military officer, nurse, and educator whose courage helped reshape Mississippi’s history. A graduate of Eureka High School, she became a trailblazer in the fight for racial equality and a leader in healthcare and education.

In 1965, Branch and Gwendolyn Armstrong became the first Black students to enroll at The University of Southern Mississippi, breaking racial barriers in higher education. However, her activism began long before that. As a teenager, she worked closely with Medgar Evers, organizing voter registration drives and participating in protests that challenged segregation. She also provided housing and support for Freedom Riders and civil rights workers, risking her safety for the movement.

Branch built a distinguished career in healthcare and the military, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force while excelling as a registered nurse and college professor. Her leadership in education and healthcare made a lasting impact on both fields.

Recognizing her contributions, The University of Southern Mississippi established the Raylawni Branch Collection, an archive preserving her activism, resilience, and progress legacy.

This Black History Month, we celebrate Lt. Col. Raylawni Branch, a fearless leader, healthcare professional, and history-maker whose legacy continues to inspire.