Clyde Kennard was an African American civil rights pioneer who played a significant role in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. Kennard was born in 1927 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and he was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served during the Korean War.

In the 1950s, Kennard attempted to enroll at the segregated Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi) in Hattiesburg to pursue a degree in political science. Despite meeting all the academic requirements, his application was repeatedly denied due to his race. Kennard's persistence in seeking admission to the university made him a target of harassment and intimidation by white supremacist groups and local authorities.

Despite facing numerous obstacles and acts of violence, Kennard continued his fight for justice and equality. He was falsely accused of various crimes and unjustly imprisoned on trumped-up charges in an effort to silence him. Despite these challenges, Kennard remained steadfast in his pursuit of education and racial equality until his death in 1963.

Clyde Kennard's story serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage of African Americans who fought against segregation and discrimination in the Jim Crow South. In recognition of his contributions to the civil rights movement, Kennard was posthumously awarded an honorary degree by the University of Southern Mississippi in 2006.