The role student-athletes performed in generating momentum toward honoring Whittier is an example of the progress and changes made since Whittier and his contemporaries first arrived on campus, as well as in the last several months. It also means that more people will have the opportunity to connect with and be inspired by Julius Whittier and his incredible story of heart, determination and courage.'

'Having the statue now, and for the future, is meaningful for so many who were part of his story. 'During my time as a player, he was immortalized as a verbal legend, but there was not a physical representation and reminder of history,' said former Longhorn standout running back Ricky Brown, who now serves as director of the T-Association. Whittier, who passed away in September 2018, was a prominent figure in the history of the school and athletics program who the student-athletes wished to see a more substantial acknowledgement of. My sister and I are grateful to them, as well as the administration, who are taking steps forward to work together and make changes that will have an impact on every individual who walks through The University's doors and beyond.'Īs momentum built in the social justice movements on campus and around the country earlier this year, and with the rise of athlete activism in the professional and collegiate ranks, Longhorn student-athletes moved to the forefront of change at The University, requesting, among other actions, the renaming of campus buildings and the establishing of permanent fixtures in athletics facilities honoring the Longhorn greats who blazed the trail for the current student-athletes. Those young men had the conviction and tenacity to initiate changes to recognize a significant group of individuals who attended UT and transformed the landscape of The University. 'For him being the first African American player at UT, he would have been very proud of the young football players who stepped forward. Not only for Julius, but everyone that has passed through UT's doors since day one,' said Mildred Whittier, Julius' sister. The unveiling of the statue marked the culmination of efforts by Texas Athletics, The University, Longhorn alumni and supporters, as well as current student-athletes to honor Whittier, who in 1970 became the first Black letterman in Texas Football history. As UT commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the 1970 National Championship team that he was a part of, the pioneer, trailblazer and Longhorn Legend was immortalized with a statue just outside of the north end of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. When Julius Whittier stepped onto campus at The University of Texas in the fall of 1969 as one of the first Black student-athletes to receive a scholarship from Texas, he was looking to make a lasting impact on both the Football team and The University.

Julius statue