The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ recently celebrated a momentous occasion with the dedication of the H. Lyals Battle ’67 and Darrell A. Fitzgerald ’68 Atrium, honoring its first Black students to attend and graduate from the institution. This tribute took place on May 20, 2024, as part of the grand opening of the Tsai Field House’s second phase—a sprawling 250,000 square foot facility that serves as an athletic, dining, and social hub on the Lawrenceville campus.
Henry Lyals Battle, a distinguished alumnus, was among those honored. Battle’s storied career includes roles such as President at NICH Enterprises, LLC, Chair of the Trustee Ministry at The People’s Community Baptist Church, and previous Program Manager positions at both the Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (WACIF) and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. Battle holds an MBA from Howard University and is an alumnus of Calvin Collidge High School and The Lawrenceville School.
The dedication ceremony was marked by standing ovations, heartfelt speeches, and deep expressions of gratitude. Attendees were given a preview of a mixed media installation crafted by Stuart Robertson ’11, the school’s Artist-in-Residence, alongside his students. This vibrant artwork rejuvenates the historic entrance of the renovated field house, symbolizing the diverse and dynamic experiences of the Lawrenceville community. The installation, paired with a comprehensive recounting of the school’s history of racial segregation and the pioneering efforts of its first Black students, signals a new chapter for Lawrenceville.
Two display cases of archival materials, including photographs, letters, and personal memorabilia, serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs experienced by Battle and Fitzgerald. These displays honor not only their legacy but also those who facilitated their journey at Lawrenceville.
Addressing the attendees, benefactor Joseph Tsai emphasized the significance of the atrium. “These doors that open into the atrium of this handsome structure represent the courage of Lyals and Darrell at a very different time in the School’s history,” Tsai, a member of Lawrenceville’s Board of Trustees remarked. He highlighted the transformation from an era when the doors of a Lawrenceville education were closed to Black students to today’s inclusive environment.
Battle’s daughter, Lydina M Battle shared on her father’s Facebook page, “I am beyond proud of my dad Henry Lyals Battle on his major accomplishment of being one of the 2 Black men to integrate the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey (he stayed on campus). Having a entrance to the sports complex named after you is BIG! You are a TRUE trailblazer! You are the definition of Black History and making a difference in the advancement of Black people. The Battle legacy will live on forever! Thank you Joseph Tsai for funding this project and making this happen for my dad.”
Henry Lyals Battle reflected on this progress, noting, “The door that opened to Darrell and I in 1964 has led to the acceptance of many other Black students to Lawrenceville.” He continued, “Now the door to Lawrenceville is wide open to give the opportunity to students of all ethnicities, and our School is better for it.” The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, followed by a Benediction from Lawrenceville Chaplain Violet Lee. Guests were then invited to explore the new Battle-Fitzgerald Atrium, a space symbolizing progress, diversity, and community at The Lawrenceville School.
