People, Locations, Episodes

William S. Scarborough, Scholar born

*This date in 1852 marks the birth of William Sander Scarborough. He was an African American scholar and University President.

William Scarborough was born in Macon, Georgia. As a child he studied with a free Black family and white neighbors learning carpentry and shoe making. He was emancipated during the Civil War, entered Atlanta University in 1869, and then went on to Oberlin College for his Masters degree. He taught for a time amidst the Jim Crow Laws in the south.

Daniel P. Murray, Author, and Historian

*On this date the birth of Daniel Alexander Payne Murray in 1852 is celebrated. He was a Black author, politician, and historian.

Julia Hooks, Activist, and Educator born

The birth of Julia A. B. Hooks in 1852 is celebrated on this date. She was an African American musician, educator and social worker.

Edward Bouchet, Physicist born

*Edward Bouchet was born on this date in 1852. He was an African American educator, physicist and administrator.

William Feilds, School Principal born

*The birth of William A. Feilds is celebrated on this date in c. 1852.  He was a Black schoolteacher, principal, and politician.   Born a slave in West Tennessee in 1874, Feilds married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Fields, age 20, in Shelby County, TN.  In 1882, Sholes’ Memphis City Directory listed Feilds as a “teacher 5th District school, r county.” According […]

Louisia Bustill Robeson, Educator born

*Louisa Bustill Robeson was born on this date in 1853. She was an African and Native American schoolteacher. Maria Louisa Bustill (sometimes called Louisa as a child) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, of Igbo of Nigeria, Lenni-Lenape Native American, and Anglo-American descent. Her parents were Charles Hicks Bustill and Emily Robinson, prominent black Quakers. Bustill’s ancestors […]

Inman Page, Educator born

On this date in 1853, Inman Edward Page was born. He was a Black educator and academic administrator.

Lucy Laney, Educator born

On this date in 1854, Lucy Laney was born. She was a Black educator and pioneer in secondary education.

Lincoln University of Pennsylvania is Founded

On this date, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, one of the over 100 Historically Black Colleges & Universities, was founded.

Olivia D. Washington, Educator, and Administrator born

This date in 1854 marks the birth of Olivia Davidson Washington. She was a Black educator and administrator, and a critical factor in the creation and success of Tuskegee Institute with her peer and husband, Booker T. Washington.

George William Cook, Educator born

*George William Cook was born on this date in 1855.   He was a Black educator, administrator, and activist.   Born a slave in Winchester, Virginia, he was one of 8 children of Eliza and Peyton Cook. His family moved to Harrisburg, PA, where he worked in the home of Dr. Mooma.  There, the doctor allowed […]

Josephine Leavell, Music Teacher and Organist born

*Josephine Leavell was born on this date in 1855. She was an African American pianist, organist and music teacher.

Richard Wright Sr., Entrepreneur born

*Richard Wright Sr. was born on this date in 1855. He was a Black military officer, educator, college president, politician, civil rights advocate, and banking entrepreneur. Richard Robert Wright Sr. was born into slavery in a log cabin six miles from Dalton, Georgia. After emancipation, Wright’s mother moved with her son from Dalton to Cuthbert, Georgia. He attended the Storrs […]

Berea College is Founded

On this date in 1855, we celebrate the founding of Berea College, the oldest continually integrated college in America.

Located in Berea, KY, its spiritual foundation, “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth,” has shaped its culture and programs. Founder John G.

Booker T. Washington, Educator, and Inspirational Source born

On this date in 1856, Booker T. Washington was born. He was a Black activist and educator, who urged Blacks to gain equality through education and economic advancement.