Surrounded by applause and admiration, Elaine Johnson Coates ’59 stood in the main entrance of the Benjamin Building, taking in the latest tribute to her groundbreaking legacy as the first Black woman to receive an undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland: a portrait permanently installed in the College of Education.
Seeing the portrait hang in the building was an emotional experience for Coates, “When I saw the portrait for the first time, I was overwhelmed and tears flowed spontaneously. They were tears reflective of my gratitude and deep appreciation of the beauty of the rendering,” she said. Coates's portrait was initially unveiled outdoors at the college's Alumni of Color Celebration in May.
She also explained the significance of the portrait’s placement in the Benjamin Building: “This building is where my professional education and development commenced, and where so many have advocated for my acknowledgement. I am beyond honored and forever grateful.”
Coates’ portrait was painted by Maryland-based artist Ernest Shaw. Shaw recalled being moved by the significance of the portrait and the opportunity to work on the project. He began the project by doing extensive research to develop historical and cultural context for the painting. “I wish viewers see this portrait as a statement of gratitude for the sacrifices and accomplishments of Dr. Coates during her time at Maryland and what those actions mean to all who have followed in her footsteps,” he said.
For Shaw, meeting Coates was a special moment. "To witness Ms. Coates’ reaction to the portrait almost took me out. The work becomes meaningful once it connects with its audience. She is the most important figure for the audience of this piece," he said.
In recent years, Coates has been widely recognized on campus for being a trailblazer and contributing to the diversity that shapes Maryland today. She received an honorary doctorate from the university, has a residence hall named after her, was the inaugural recipient of the Elaine Johnson Coates alumni award and addressed the Class of 2019 at Commencement. She is also featured in the university’s TerrapinSTRONG onboarding program for all new faculty, staff and students.
Coates arrived at UMD in 1955, one year after the Brown v. Board of Education decision, and was one of only seven Black students living on campus. Four years later, she would be the only one to graduate. Despite experiencing an unwelcoming campus environment filled with social isolation, racist taunts and unequal treatment in the classroom, Coates persevered and completed her education. Though she initially aspired to become a teacher, systemic barriers kept her from securing a placement, and she instead began a career in social work.
During the intimate gathering of alumni, faculty, staff and students, Dean Kimberly Griffin; Satra Taylor, doctoral student in the higher education program; and Clemmie Solomon, Ph.D. ’96, Alumni of Color Celebration co-chair, reflected on the impact Coates has had on the university and within the College of Education. The college’s annual Alumni of Color Celebration supports the Elaine Johnson Coates '59 Scholarship. Since the event launched in 2020, close to $200,000 has been raised and awarded to eight College of Education students.
“Elaine Johnson Coates’ portrait is not only a testament to her remarkable journey but a beacon of inspiration for all who walk these halls,” said Dean Griffin. “Her courage and determination continue to pave the way for generations of Terps, and we are honored to display this tribute to her resilience and legacy.”
Taylor added, “Dr. Coates remained graceful and grateful despite what she suffered. Because of her perseverance, myself and other Black girls and women have been able to follow in her footsteps and stand proudly on her shoulders. Her triumphs are a testament to her resilience. Her legacy is a source of inspiration and motivation for us all. It is an honor to share space with a living legend.”
Reflecting on her own legacy, Coates hopes to inspire future Terps to persevere through challenges, as she did. "I pray that the students and visitors who are able to see this portrait will see opportunity, determination and resilience. I pray that it will be a mirror reflection back to them, signaling what they too are capable of," she said.
