From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Lawrence G. Simmons became the first African American athlete at the University of Louisville (U of L) when he joined the football team in 1952. Simmons had lettered as a football player at Central High School in Louisville, KY. He was recruited by U of L and participated in spring practice, played in the season opener, then left the school, having transfered to Tennessee State. He would return to UL and graduated. He was a schoolteacher at Meyzeek Middle School until his retirement. He was also the pastor at Greater Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville. Lawrence Gerald Simmons was the son of  Lawrence and Hattie Mae Simmons.

For more see the Commerce Cabinet Press release by Billy Reed dated 02/21/05, "Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch Represents Pinnacle of Proud African-American Athletic Tradition at U of L: Cards a Leader in Integrating Southern Sports."; U of L Athletics, "Former UofL athletes win ACC’s inaugural UNITE Award for their impact in racial and social justice," 09/24/2021 (online); see Rev. Lawrence "Bumpy" Simmons Obituary, a Hathaway and Clark webpage.