CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Gregory Swanson historical marker has officially been unveiled at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library.

In 1950, attorney Gregory Swanson became the first African-American to attend the University of Virginia School of Law.

However, his admittance only came after filing a landmark lawsuit that would help set a precedent for the desegregation of education in America.

Donna Price, the chair of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, says memorializing this event is especially important given the current social climate.

“In an era of anger and especially of white supremacy like we just saw with the shooting in Buffalo, it's important to see how the use of the law for good can overcome anger and hatred,” she said.

The marker is outside the Central Library, which was the courthouse where the case was heard.