Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes (July 8, 1941 – October 26, 1995) was a physician (orthopedist) who helped desegregate the University of Georgia as one of the first two African-American students (along with Charlayne Hunter-Gault) in 1961, where he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He was also the first African-American student to attend the Emory University School of Medicine, receiving his M.D. in 1967, later becoming a professor of orthopedics and associate dean.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, several landmarks have been named in his honor, including an elementary school in East Point, Georgia (August 11 2004), Hamilton E. Holmes Drive (Highway 280) in Fulton County, Georgia), and H.E. Holmes MARTA station. The first endowed professorship at the University of Georgia named for an African-American was created in his name on November 11, 1999.
He died in 1995 of heart failure.
Dr. Holmes was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter oganization established for African Americans.
