With an unyielding spirit and a determination to break new ground, Orval “Val” Johnson, one of the rare Black faces in a predominantly white university, stood up to run for senior class president at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1948. His candidacy was more than a milestone; it was a testament to the changing tides of society and student politics.
Facing Johnson was Peter R. “Pete” Elliott, a celebrated figure in university athletics. Elliott had a record that was hard to compete with; he was a quarterback for the undefeated football team, helping secure back-to-back national championships, and had amassed 12 varsity letters in football, basketball, and golf. Elliott embodied the quintessential “big man on campus.”
Though Johnson’s prominence was notable in the track and field sphere, he didn’t draw the same massive crowds his opponent did. Yet, his involvement in the Student Legislature, the Sphinx junior honor society, and his dorm council, coupled with his reputation for politeness, established him as a compelling contestant for the presidency.
The campus climate in the mid-20th century saw a student body that had grown significantly post-World War II, with nearly 10,000 veterans, predominantly white, swelling the university’s enrollment to 20,000. In such an environment, Black students like Johnson often found themselves solitary figures in many settings, from student government to athletic gatherings.
Life off-campus was equally challenging. Accommodation options for Black students were limited, some restaurants denied service, and the Michigan Union subtly, yet clearly, defined who did and did not belong. Despite these barriers, Johnson’s campaign branded him as “Michigan’s Man of Distinction.” His supporters energetically canvassed dormitories, distributing campaign materials and engaging students to vote.
Student Activism Fuels Change
November’s election day dawned with a chill, yet students were driven by a sense of duty and change. The Michigan Daily reminded them of the importance of participating in the democratic process. The late 1940s were marked by progressive movements; President Truman had desegregated the military, and Jackie Robinson shattered Major League Baseball’s color barrier. These changes resonated on campus, as students rallied against discriminatory practices and questioned the absence of Black athletes on certain varsity teams.
This election transcended the traditional popularity contest. Voting precincts were spread across campus, engaging over 7,000 students — a third of the campus population — in the electoral process for several student leadership positions, including senior class president.
After two intensive days of voting and counting, Johnson emerged victorious with a significant margin, becoming U-M’s first Black senior class president — and possibly the first at any major predominantly white university. “I’m completely overwhelmed,” he confessed to a Michigan Daily reporter upon hearing the election results amid cheers at the Michigan Union.
The historic victory received a brief mention in The New York Times and was celebrated in the Black press, including the Michigan Chronicle.
In gratitude, Johnson penned a heartfelt note to his peers, thanking them for their unwavering support during the campaign. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree — later pursuing a master’s — he embarked on a diverse career, including roles with United Nations Radio in Paris and teaching in Mexico before returning to Detroit to teach high school Spanish. Johnson passed away in 1995 at the age of 69.
This article was adapted by Genevieve Monsma, The University Record, from “First in Class,” a piece by Kim Clarke for U-M’s Heritage Project.
