TBHM Exhibit
A Tribute to the African American Journey
The exhibit is a profound celebration of Black history and culture, showcasing artifacts from the 1600s to the present. Attendees will not only have the opportunity to engage with historical treasures that chronicle the rich and diverse heritage of the Black community but also to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the journey and contributions of African Americans.
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John Cromwell Jr. (1883-1971) came from a family that epitomized breaking barriers and overcoming obstacles. He graduated from Dartmouth University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. Determined to become a CPA, Cromwell taught himself accounting, fueled by his passion for mathematics. However, he faced discrimination and was initially denied the opportunity to take the CPA exam due to firms' concerns about hiring a Black accountant for their predominantly white clientele. Undeterred, Cromwell persisted and seized upon a change in New Hampshire law that allowed him to take the exam independently, bypassing the requirement to work for a firm. This determination led to him becoming the nation’s first Black CPA. Throughout his career, Cromwell dedicated himself to serving Black businesses in Washington, DC, leaving a legacy in the field of accounting and paving the way for future generations of Black accountants.
Source: Illinois CPA Society
H. Naylor Fitzhugh (1909-1992) attended Harvard College during a time of segregation, which prevented him and other Black students from living on campus. Despite these challenges, he graduated with honors from the business program. Upon entering the workforce, he faced discrimination that made securing employment virtually impossible. Fitzhugh became a pivotal figure in founding the New Negro Alliance, aimed at challenging the discriminatory business practices of major companies in Black communities that refused to hire residents. He later taught for three decades in the business department at Howard University. Following his tenure at Howard, Fitzhugh joined PepsiCo, where he led the first major marketing campaign targeted specifically toward Black consumers. Throughout his life, Fitzhugh dedicated himself to opening doors for future generations in business, both through his own career achievements and community initiatives. He received numerous awards, achievements, and honorary degrees in recognition of his contributions.
- Source: Harvard Business School Alumni Bulletin
Earl Graves (1935-2020) received his education at Morgan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics. Following his degree, he enlisted in the military and served for two years in the Army. Subsequently, Graves transitioned into politics, working as an administrative assistant for then-Senator Robert F. Kennedy until Kennedy's assassination. Transitioning into the business world, Graves founded Black Enterprise Magazine in 1970. His entrepreneurial acumen earned him recognition as one of the ten most outstanding businessmen in the country by the president. He was also honored with the National Award of Excellence and received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. Additionally, he was named one of the top 100 Business News Luminaries of the Century, highlighting his significant contributions to business journalism and entrepreneurship.
- Source: The HistoryMakers
Jesse Hill Jr. (1926-2012) graduated from Lincoln University in St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree and earned his MBA from the University of Michigan. Following his academic pursuits, he enlisted in the US Armed Forces and served in the Korean War. In 1949, Hill relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Atlanta Life Insurance Company as assistant actuary, becoming only the second actuary of African descent in the country at that time. Alongside his professional endeavors, Hill was actively involved in activism, volunteering for the NAACP and the Urban League. He played a pivotal role in the desegregation efforts at the University of Georgia. Due to his dedication and contributions, Hill steadily advanced within Atlanta Life Insurance Company, ultimately becoming its vice president and chief actuary after two decades of service. Later, he made history as the company’s third president and its first not related to the founder, guiding Atlanta Life through its most prosperous era under his leadership.
Source: Georgia Encyclopedia
Byron Lewis (1931- ) graduated from Long Island University with a degree in journalism and served in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1955. Committed to changing the image of Black people in American life, Lewis co-founded The Urbanite, a Harlem-based magazine that featured notable staff including James Baldwin and Langston Hughes. In 1969, he founded UniWorld Group, an advertising company that serviced major corporations such as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, AT&T, Ford Motor, and Quaker Oats.
Lewis's early notable achievements included promotional campaigns for the movie Shaft (1971) and co-directing the National Black Political Convention in 1972. He also became the owner and producer of the first nationally syndicated Black TV news show. For his groundbreaking contributions to media and advertising, Lewis was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Fame.
Source: Smithsonian Institution
Edward Lewis (1940 - ) capitalized on a football scholarship to the University of New Mexico, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. Following this, he furthered his education at Harvard University, graduating from their Small Business Management Program. In 1969, Lewis co-founded Essence magazine, originally envisioned as a publication for Black women. Serving as CEO and publisher of Essence Communications, Inc. for an impressive 30 years, Lewis oversaw its expansion into television programming, weekly fashion lines, award shows, and the renowned Essence Music Festival. Among his notable achievements is being the first Black chairman of the Magazine Publishers of America.
Source: The HistoryMakers
Therman McKenzie, Sr., along with his Fort Valley State University classmate, Cornell McBride, Sr., founded M&M Products in 1973, which became one of the largest hair care businesses since Madam C.J. Walker. With limited resources, they initially tested chemical formulas for their products in a bathtub, leading to the creation of Sta Sof Fro, a hair product designed to soften natural Black hair. Their brand quickly gained traction, generating $4 million in revenue within the first few years. Over time, they expanded their product line to include Sof-N-Free, Moxie, and Curly Perm, eventually building an empire that achieved close to $40 million in annual revenue.
Source: Fort Valley State University
Paul Revere Williams (1894-1980) faced adversity from a young age, being orphaned at 4, yet he demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. After graduating high school, he secured internships at prestigious architecture firms in Los Angeles. Williams eventually graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Engineering program. After graduation, Williams was appointed to the Los Angeles City Planning Commission in 1920. Several years later, he established his own architecture practice and served as an architect in the Navy during World War II. Over his more than 50-year career, Williams left his mark on Los Angeles, designing over 2,000 homes for premier clients. His portfolio also included affordable housing, as well as civic, commercial, and institutional buildings. Williams received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to architecture. He was honored with the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, recognized as the first African American to achieve an AIA Fellowship, and posthumously awarded the American Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an architect.
Source: Los Angeles Conservancy
Benjamin Crump (1969- ) has established himself as one of America’s foremost legal minds through hard work and a steadfast dedication to justice and service. He founded his own legal firm, Ben Crump Law, and gained prominence through cases such as the Trayvon Martin tragedy. Crump later represented the families of Michael Brown, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and victims of the Flint Water Crisis. Recognized as one of TIME100's Most Influential People, Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 Most Influential African Americans, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Crump’s advocacy has resulted in significant legal victories and settlements totaling hundreds of millions for victims of injustice in America.
Source: [Southern University Law Center - Ben Crump]
Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Ernest Green (1941- ) was a member of the Little Rock Nine, who integrated Central High School in Pulaski County. Green was the sole senior among these courageous students, becoming the first Black person to graduate from the formerly all-white high school. He continued his education, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University. Green's activism extended to serving as the director of the A. Philip Randolph Education Fund. He later served as Assistant Secretary of Labor during the Carter administration and currently holds the position of Senior Managing Director at Lehman Brothers investment banking company.
Source: [Encyclopedia of Arkansas - Ernest Gideon Green]
Aaron “Doc” Henry (1922-1997), born into a sharecropping family, overcame numerous obstacles to become a pharmacist and establish his own drug store in Clarksdale, MS. However, his primary legacy lies in his advocacy for voting rights in the Deep South. Henry served as NAACP state president for Mississippi for over 30 years, led the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO), and was involved with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He was the first Black person to vote in a Democratic primary election upon returning from WWII, inspiring many others to register despite facing severe backlash and attacks. Henry also organized protests and boycotts that challenged social and political segregation and served as a Mississippi legislator from 1979 to 1995. Additionally, he was chairman of Jackson’s WLBT-TV station for many years.
Sources:
- [SNCC Digital Gateway - Aaron Henry]
- [Mississippi Encyclopedia - Aaron Henry]
James Nabrit Jr. (1900-1997) joined the law faculty at Howard University in 1936 and two years later taught the first civil rights law course at a U.S. school. A graduate of Morehouse College, he earned his juris doctorate from Northwestern University. Nabrit was instrumental in the 1940s and early 1950s, representing cases for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. His notable case included Bolling v. Sharpe, closely related to Brown v. Board of Education, working alongside future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Nabrit later served as dean of Howard University Law School and held two separate tenures as president of the university.
Source: [Howard University School of Law - James M. Nabrit Jr. Lecture]
Spottswood Robinson (1916-1998) was a brilliant legal mind during the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a constitutional lawyer and legal scholar who played a crucial role in strategizing against Jim Crow segregation. Alongside Oliver Hill, he formed one of the most important grassroots legal movements. Working closely with the NAACP, Robinson argued Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County (1954) before the Supreme Court, a case pivotal to Brown v. Board of Education. Appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Robinson became the first Black person to sit on the US District Court for the District of Columbia and later broke the color barrier again when he served on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Source: [Encyclopedia Virginia - Spottswood William Robinson III]
Bayard Rustin (1912 - 1987) played a critical role in the Civil Rights Movement, co-organizing the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This event is memorialized by Dr. King's iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech. Rustin was a trusted advisor to Dr. King, providing counsel on nonviolent strategies. He was actively engaged with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He was also one of the founding members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Rustin, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, faced criticism and shifted to a background role in the movement after being exposed by a "morals charge" arrest. Rustin's legacy encompasses his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, his advocacy for nonviolent resistance and human rights, and his lasting impact on social justice and equality movements globally.
Source: [National Museum of African American History and Culture - Bayard Rustin]
Cleveland “Cleve” Sellers (1944- ) arrived at Howard University in 1962, immediately immersing himself in activism by joining the SNCC campus affiliate, NAG (Nonviolent Action Group). During his time with NAG, he led protests against the Justice Department, FBI, and even the White House to enhance visibility and participation in SNCC's voter registration campaign. Sellers eventually became the program secretary for SNCC, collaborating closely with Stokely Carmichael to advocate for Black political power at the grassroots level. Later in his career, he served as president of Voorhees College in South Carolina, starting in 2008.
Source: [SNCC Digital Gateway - Cleveland Sellers]
William Trent (1910-1993), the son of an early NAACP organizer and president of Livingstone College in North Carolina, championed the advancement of Black education in America. He served as the first executive director of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) for two decades (1944-1964), fighting against segregation in educational institutions and raising over $75 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to strengthen their infrastructure. In addition to his role at UNCF, Trent was a professor, dean of education at Bennett College, advisor on Negro Affairs to the Public Works, and a race relations officer with the Federal Works Agency during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration.
Source: [Wharton Magazine - William J. Trent Jr.]
EDUCATION
Nathan Hare's (1933-2024) early encounters with racism in his native Oklahoma redirected his career path from aspiring professional boxer to sociology. His academic journey culminated in earning two Ph.Ds. from the University of Chicago and California School of Professional Psychology. Hare's tenure as a professor at Howard University included mentoring renowned activists Stokley Carmichael and Claude Brown. He earned the moniker "Father of Black Studies" for pioneering the San Francisco State College's Black Studies program, the first of its kind in the United States. Hare's contributions have been honored with the Scholar of the Year Award from the Association of African Historians and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.
Source: The History Makers - Nathan Hare
Asa Hilliard III (1933-2007) began his career in education as a teacher in the Denver Public Schools before serving as a decorated first lieutenant in the Army. He pursued graduate degrees in counseling and earned his Ed.D. in Educational Psychology. To finance his education, he worked various jobs, including railroad maintenance worker, bartender, and cook. Hilliard achieved international renown in his field, holding numerous prestigious positions such as consultant to the Peace Corps in Liberia, department chair, academic dean, and board-certified examiner and diplomat of both the American Board of Forensic Examiners and the American Board of Forensic Medicine. He provided expert analysis in several landmark federal cases. In 2001, Hilliard was appointed Development Chief for Mankranso, Ghana, where he dedicated three decades to promoting the truth of African history, working in Ghana, Egypt, and Mali.
Source: The History Makers - Asa Hilliard III
Benjamin Elijah Mays (1894-1984) was a revered figure in the Black community, known for his significant contributions to religion and education. An ordained minister, he served as the dean of the School of Religion at Howard University after earning his master’s and PhD from the University of Chicago. Later, Mays assumed the presidency of Morehouse College, where he profoundly influenced a young Martin Luther King, Jr., becoming King’s lifelong "spiritual mentor." Mays provided unwavering support and counsel during pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. He publicly endorsed Dr. King’s controversial anti-war stance during the Vietnam War, despite widespread criticism from mainstream America. Throughout his illustrious career, Mays was awarded over 28 honorary degrees, received the NAACP Spingarn Medal, and notably became the first Black president of the Atlanta Board of Education.
Source: Stanford King Institute - Benjamin Elijah Mays
Charles Moody, Sr. (1932-2018) emerged from East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, as a dedicated scholar. He graduated from Central State University and received a commission from the United States Army. Moody went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees from Chicago Teachers College and Northwestern University, respectively. Beginning his career as a teacher, he advanced to superintendent of the Harvey, Illinois Public Schools before joining the faculty of the University of Michigan. In 1970, Moody's dissertation on Black superintendents catalyzed the founding of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE).
Source: The History Makers - Charles D. Moody, Sr.
William Pickens (1881-1954), the son of freed enslaved Africans, distinguished himself as one of the most prominent Black figures of his era. He graduated from Yale in 1898 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Later, Pickens played a pivotal role in organizing the Louisville branch of the NAACP, eventually serving as its field secretary. Following his activism with the NAACP, Pickens joined the United States Treasury Department, where he traveled the country promoting the sale of US Savings Bonds. Among his literary achievements, "Bursting Bonds" stands out for its unique perspective on the experiences of Black intellectuals between Reconstruction and World War I.
Source: Yale University - William Pickens
William Julius Wilson (1935- ) has been a prominent advocate and leader in the field of education. He earned his Ph.D. from Washington State University and subsequently joined the faculty of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1996, he embarked on his distinguished tenure at Harvard University, where he holds the esteemed title of Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor Emeritus. Wilson served as president of the American Sociological Association. He garnered numerous accolades, receiving over 40 honorary degrees and being recognized as one of TIME magazine's top 25 most influential people. Wilson also received America's most prestigious scientific honor, the National Medal of Science. Additionally, Wilson served in the Clinton administration as a member of the Commission on White House Fellowships.
Source: Harvard Kennedy School - William Julius Wilson
Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) overcame formidable challenges, emerging from a family of formerly enslaved people with no formal education to become a pioneering scholar and historian. He achieved a significant milestone as the second Black person, following W.E.B. Du Bois, to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. After completing his degree, he served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Woodson's lifelong passion was the preservation of Black history, exemplified by his founding of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which later became the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Woodson was also a founder of the Journal of Negro History. Known as the father of Black history, he established Negro History Week in 1926, a precursor to what is now celebrated as Black History Month.
Source: NAACP - Carter G. Woodson
Charles Howard Wright (1918-2002), a distinguished physician, began his educational journey at Alabama State College before earning his MD from Meharry Medical School. Initially practicing between Detroit and Harlem, Wright eventually settled in Detroit, where he specialized as an OB-GYN and general surgeon. He retired as senior attending physician at Hutzel Hospital. In addition to his medical career, Wright was a lifelong activist and NAACP member. He founded the African Medical Education Fund in Detroit and served as a physician during protest marches in Louisiana. His crowning achievement was founding the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, which remains a vibrant institution in Detroit's museum district.
Source: Detroit Historical Society - Charles H. Wright
MILITARY
Manson Brown (1956- ) is a native of Washington, DC. Brown graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, followed by a master’s degree in the same discipline from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Throughout his distinguished career, Brown has held notable commands, including the Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force, the 14th Coast Guard District, and served as Military Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. He also served as Military Chief of Staff following the attacks on 9/11. In 2012, Brown assumed the second Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS) role, overseeing all support areas for the Coast Guard’s mission on military support bases nationwide. His military career is adorned with numerous decorations, including being recognized as the first recipient of the Coast Guard’s Captain John G. Witherspoon Award for Inspirational Leadership.
Source: USCG History
Raymond Scott Dingle (1965- ) is a Distinguished Military Graduate of Morgan State University, also earning three master's degrees from Central Michigan University, the School of Advanced Military Studies, and the National War College. These achievements paved the way for Dingle to become the 45th Surgeon General of the US Army and Commanding General of the US Army Medical Command. In these roles, Dingle's responsibilities were critical in providing essential healthcare information to professionals and citizens alike. Dingle's leadership was particularly evident during the COVID-19 outbreak, where he established pandemic protocols and practices for the armed forces. He is highly decorated, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal, among many others.
Sources: Morgan State University and AUSA
West A. Hamilton (1886-1985) was born in the Washington DC area to parents who were activists and had associations with influential Black intellectuals of their time, including Mary McLeod Bethune. Inspired by his upbringing, Hamilton pursued roles in the military, public service, and private business. After teaching for a decade, Hamilton enlisted in the National Guard and served in World War I, riding with the Buffalo Soldiers. His leadership continued into World War II, where he commanded the 366th Infantry in North Africa and Italy. Hamilton's distinguished military career earned him the honorary rank of Brigadier General. In addition to his military service, Hamilton and his brother published their own newspaper, The Sentinel, and later established a printing company. He also contributed to the DC Board of Education, the Recreation Board, and the Board of Elections, leaving a lasting impact on his community and beyond.
Source: Anacostia Community Museum
Roscoe “Robbie” Robinson, Jr. (1928-1993) graduated from the US Military Academy in 1951, just three years after the armed forces were desegregated. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Infantry lieutenant and went on to demonstrate exceptional leadership in the Korean and Vietnam wars, commanding airborne brigades and divisions. His outstanding performance earned widespread recognition, with colleagues describing him as an "efficient, intelligent, and aggressive officer who performed his duties in a commendable manner." This reputation propelled him to become the first Black four-star general in the Army and the first Black graduate of West Point to achieve this rank.
Source: Army History
David Satcher (1941- ) was the 16th US Surgeon General, serving in the prominent post from 1998 to 2002. His early encounter with whooping cough, nearly fatal until cured by the only Black physician in his community, inspired his pursuit of a medical career. His determination was evident from his days as valedictorian of his racially segregated school. Dr. Satcher received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College and made history as the first Black person to earn an MD and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. His distinguished career included serving as president of Meharry Medical College and later as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director. His performance in the previous roles ultimately led to his appointment as surgeon general during the Clinton administration. Dr. Satcher has been recognized throughout his career for his significant contributions to medicine.
Source: David Satcher BIO
Clarence B. Vaughn (1928-2021) was born and raised in Pennsylvania, one of eight siblings, and grew up on welfare. Despite these challenges, he harbored aspirations of becoming a doctor and practicing medicine. Vaughn attended Benedict College, followed by Howard University and Wayne State University, where he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees. Dr. Vaughn served as a commissioned first lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the Air Force, steadily advancing to the rank of colonel. Though nominated for the military’s highest honor, Brigadier General Dr. Vaughn was denied due to age restrictions. Yet, he distinguished himself as the Chief Flight Surgeon. Dr. Vaughn was a pioneering figure in establishing cancer research and treatment units at Providence and Mercy Hospital in Detroit, MI. His contributions to oncology research, particularly in breast cancer, have significantly improved survival rates.
Source: Clarence B. Vaughn BIO
William E. "Kip" Ward (1949- ) was the inaugural Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, also known as AFRICOM. Ward's duties included overseeing the establishment of the country's interagency combatant command responsible for all US defense and security activities on the continent. He began his military career through the ROTC program at Morgan State University, where he distinguished himself as a commissioned officer and eventually rose through the ranks from lieutenant to general. Ward's commitment to excellence in military service is underscored by his attainment of several degrees, both earned and honorary. His illustrious career has been marked by numerous honors and awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, and several noteworthy lifetime achievement awards. He has also received accolades from several African nations, as well as from Italy, and Canada.
Source: Congress.gov BIO
Kaleth O. Wright (1965- ) enlisted in the Air Force in 1989, initially serving in various roles within the dental career path. Later, he transitioned to become a professional military education instructor and held several other senior enlisted positions. Wright has completed three overseas tours in South Korea, Japan, and Germany and one domestic tour in Alaska. His dedication to excellence in the Air Force led Wright to rise to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. In this capacity, he provides guidance to the enlisted force and advocates for their interests to the American public and within the three branches of government. Additionally, Wright is a personal advisor to the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force.
Source: Defense.gov BIO
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
William Hastie (1904-1976) was a legal and political giant who earned his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as the Race Relations Advisor by the Roosevelt administration. His political acumen included drafting the constitution for the Virgin Islands and founding the New Negro Alliance, which actively campaigned against racial discrimination in white-owned businesses. He also collaborated with the NAACP to combat discrimination in housing and education. Hastie was appointed to the Federal District Court of the Virgin Islands and later made history as the first Black governor of the territory. A few years later, he furthered his legacy by becoming the first Black federal appellate judge upon his appointment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
(Source: "William Henry Hastie, Jr." Pennsylvania Military College Online.
https://www.pmconline.org/william-henry-hastie-jr)
Togo West, Jr. (1942-2018) was a legal luminary who earned his Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law, graduating at the top of his class. He began his career as an intern for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Later, West served as a commissioned second lieutenant in the United States Army, where he earned accolades, including the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal. Throughout his distinguished career, West held prominent positions under the administrations of Ford, Carter, and Clinton. Notably, he served as the United States Secretary of the Army and, subsequently, as the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(Source: "Honorable Togo D. West, Jr." The HistoryMakers.
https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/honorable-togo-d-west-jr)
Robert N.C. Nix, Jr. (1928-2003), the son of Pennsylvania’s first Black Congressman, followed in his father's footsteps by graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law. After completing his education, he served in the Army for two years before becoming Deputy Attorney General for another two years. Nix gained recognition for his advocacy work with a grassroots group called United Neighbors, representing them in their efforts to petition the city of Philadelphia for improvements in the West Philadelphia area. He also served on the advisory committee on civil rights, championing equal hiring practices in the city. In 1972, Nix made history as the first Black Chief Justice in any state and the first Black person elected to any statewide office in Pennsylvania. Later, he served as President of the National Conference of Chief Justices.
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(Source: "Robert N.C. Nix, Jr." Pennsylvania Military College Online. https://www.pmconline.org/robert-nc-nix-jr)
Lawrence Augustus Oxley (1887-1973) was a lifelong civil servant and social worker. His career began during World War I, where he attained the rank of first lieutenant and supervised investigations for the Infantry Morale Branch of the War Department Commission for Black Troops. After his military service, Oxley worked as the assistant industrial secretary at the YMCA in Harlem. Later, he became the head of the new Division of Negro Welfare at the North Carolina State Board of Charities and Public Welfare. Oxley dedicated much of his efforts to social welfare in North Carolina and authored publications highlighting the inadequate resources available to the Black community. He was subsequently appointed to the "Black Cabinet," nine Black appointees in the Roosevelt administration, while holding various positions at the Department of Labor.
(Source: "Lawrence Augustus Oxley." NCpedia. https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/oxley-lawrence-augustus)
Robert Clifton Weaver (1907-1997) was an academic prodigy, earning his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in Economics from Harvard University. During Roosevelt’s New Deal era, he served as an advisor on minority affairs for numerous federal agencies. In 1961, President-elect Kennedy asked Weaver to become the administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency (HHFA), a role that led to his historic appointment as the first Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(Source: "Robert Clifton Weaver." Miller Center, University of Virginia. https://millercenter.org/president/lbjohnson/essays/weaver-1966-secretary-of-housing-and-urban-development)
Douglas Wilder (1931- ), named after Frederick Douglass and Paul Laurence Dunbar, fulfilled his destiny for greatness. He served with honor in the Korean War, receiving commendations for bravery in combat. After passing the bar exam from Howard University Law School, he established his own law firm. He later made history as the first Black state senator of Virginia since Reconstruction and spent 10 years in the General Assembly, paving the way for his election as the first Black governor in the United States in 1990, when he won the Virginia gubernatorial election.
(Source: "L. Douglas Wilder." Virginia Museum of History & Culture. https://virginiahistory.org/learn/l-douglas-wilder)
James “Jim” Clyburn (1940- ) currently holds the position of the third-ranking Democrat as the Assistant Democratic Leader. He began his activism at an early age, becoming president of the NAACP’s youth chapter at 12 years old. Before his congressional tenure, Clyburn taught in public schools and played a key role in establishing two community development programs in South Carolina. He was first elected to Congress in 1993 and swiftly climbed the political ladder within the Democratic Party, eventually serving as House Majority Whip for a total of eight years. To date, Clyburn has been elected an impressive 16 times and remains dedicated to serving the majority Black constituents of South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District.
Source: NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. "Congressman James Clyburn." Accessed from https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/scholarship-recipients/congressman-james-clyburn/
Clifford Leopold Alexander Jr. (1933-2022) ascended from Harlem, New York, to Harvard University, where he became the first Black president of the student council. He continued his academic achievements by graduating from Yale Law School and served in the National Guard's 369th Field Artillery Battalion in New Jersey. Later, Alexander worked as an assistant district attorney in New York County and participated in grassroots movements to organize and enhance educational and employment opportunities for young Black residents of Harlem. Alexander's career spanned four presidential administrations: Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Carter. He made history as the first Black Secretary of the Army under President Carter. During his tenure, Alexander achieved milestones such as transitioning the Army to an all-volunteer force and advancing the roles of women in the armed services.
(Source: National Museum of the United States Army. "Clifford L. Alexander Jr." https://www.thenmusa.org/biographies/clifford-l-alexander-jr/)
SCIENCE & MEDICINE
William Montague Cobb (1904-1990) was a giant and pioneer in the field of anthropology. He is recognized as the only Black doctoral physical anthropologist in the United States before the Korean War and stood out as a leading activist beginning in the 1930s. His studies focused on population origins, evolution, and diversity. Cobb used his love and passion for science to combat racism. Throughout his lifetime, in addition to his work as an anthropologist, he served as a doctor, professor, author, editor, and devoted activist. Cobb taught at Howard University for almost 50 years and served as department chair for most of his tenure. Throughout his professional work and activism, he held presidencies in the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, the National Medical Association, and the NAACP.
Sources:
- American Heart Association. "Dr. William Montague Cobb's Influence Went Beyond Medicine." Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/02/08/dr-william-montague-cobbs-influence-went-beyond-medicine
- The Cobb Institute. "W. Montague Cobb." Retrieved from https://www.thecobbinstitute.org/w-montague-cobb
One of the illustrious founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Ernest E. Just (1883-1941), was a distinguished biologist and scholar in the field of zoology. He earned high honors in botany, history, and sociology from Dartmouth College, where he was the sole student in those fields to graduate magna cum laude. He continued his academic achievements at the University of Chicago, earning similar honors in experimental embryology. Just received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in recognition of his scientific work and accomplishments. He served as a professor and department head of Zoology at Howard University from 1912 until his passing in 1941.
Source:
- Morgan State University. "Who is Ernest Just?" Retrieved from https://www.morgan.edu/biology/biology-club/who-is-ernest-just
Hildrus Poindexter (1901-1987) was an educational trailblazer, becoming the first Black person to receive both an MD from Harvard University and a PhD from Columbia University. Despite his academic achievements, he faced racial discrimination when rejected for a position at a United States laboratory in the Philippines. This experience led him to complete his internship at the Tuskegee Institute, where Poindexter discovered his passion for epidemiology. Later, he became the head of Howard University’s Medical College. During World War II, he served in the armed services, where his work in tropical medicine led to a nearly 87% reduction in the malaria rate in the Solomon Islands within three months. For his contributions, he was awarded the Bronze Star for reducing diseases among US soldiers during the war. Poindexter continued his impactful career for over 30 years at the US Public Health Service, where his work spanned multiple continents and numerous countries.
Source:
- Harvard Medical School. "Dr. Hildrus Poindexter: Making a Difference Through Science and Inspiration." Retrieved from https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2021/dr-hildrus-poindexter-making-a-difference-through-science-and-inspiration/
Walter E. Massey (1938- ) was director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) during the George H.W. Bush administration. Before his tenure at the NSF, he served as an assistant professor in the physics department at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign (UIUC), where he was one of only four Black faculty members among over 5000 staff. Following his time at UIUC, Massey joined Brown University, where he later became a full professor. During this period, he established the Inner-City Teachers of Science Program to advocate for science education in minority schools. One of Massey's significant accomplishments was his pivotal role in the development of the advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), which confirmed Einstein’s theory of relativity for the first time nearly a century after its proposal. After his tenure at NSF, Massey served as provost and vice president of the University of California system, then returned to his alma mater, Morehouse College, as president. In 2010, he became president of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and currently serves as its chancellor.
Source:
- National Science Foundation. "Biography of Walter E. Massey." Retrieved from https://www.nsf.gov/about/history/bios/wemassey.jsp
Lemuel Julian Haywood (1927-2020), the son of North Carolina's first and, for many years, only Black physician, made significant contributions to the field of science. His research focused on hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, sickle cell disease, and computer applications in cardiology, resulting in over 600 publications. He earned his MD with honors from Howard University in 1952. Haywood received numerous awards throughout his career, including recognition and membership to the prestigious organization Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Myasnikov Institute in Russia. He also received career achievement and service awards from prominent organizations such as the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and American College of Physicians. Additionally, Haywood was pivotal in establishing the Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation and the Association of Black Cardiologists. Source: - Association of Black Cardiologists. "J. Haywood, MD." Retrieved from https://abcardio.org/j-haywood-md/
Clyde Foster (1931-2017) was a pioneering figure in the United States space program, where he dedicated nearly three decades to NASA. His mathematical contributions were instrumental in launching rockets into space during the agency's early years. Foster's commitment to advancing science within the Black community was evident through his advocacy in the Deep South, where he facilitated opportunities for hundreds of Black individuals in various roles within the space industry. Foster also played a crucial role in establishing the computer science program at Alabama A&M University, the first public college in the state to offer this major. In addition to his contributions to the science community, Foster extended his advocacy efforts by serving as the mayor of Triana, a small Black city in Alabama. His leadership was pivotal in securing political autonomy and ensuring the community's survival.
Source:
- PBS. "Another Hidden Figure: Clyde Foster Brought Color to NASA." Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/chasing-moon-another-hidden-figure-clyde-foster-brought-color-nasa/
Charles Richard Drew (1904-1950) was one of the most important scientists of the 20th century due to his revolutionary research and technique development in preserving blood plasma during World War II. His groundbreaking work saved thousands of lives and laid the foundation for America's modern blood banking processes, led by the American Red Cross. Despite his significant contributions and accolades, Drew faced discrimination when he was denied a position at the Mayo Clinic. Instead, he joined the faculty at Howard University and became the chief surgical resident at Freedman’s Hospital. Among his many achievements, Drew was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, received the J. Francis Williams Prize in medicine, and was awarded the NAACP Spingarn Medal. He also made history as the first Black person appointed as an examiner for the American Board of Surgery.
Source:
- American Chemical Society. "African Americans in the Sciences: Charles Richard Drew." Retrieved from https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/african-americans-in-sciences/charles-richard-drew.html
Percy Julian (1899-1975) was a pioneering steroid chemist and entrepreneur whose research revolutionized the production of medicinal components from plant sources, making life-changing steroids more affordable for mass production. His journey began at DePauw University and Fisk University before earning a fellowship at Harvard University, where he obtained a master’s degree in organic chemistry. Later, he earned his doctorate from the University of Vienna in Austria. During his tenure at the Glidden Company in Chicago, Julian's research focused on synthesizing steroids from soybeans, leading to the development of a steroid that helped prevent miscarriages in pregnant women. He also developed new synthesis techniques for cortisone and hydrocortisone. Eventually, he founded his own company, Julian Laboratories. In addition to his groundbreaking medical work, Julian was involved in activism. He helped establish the Legal Defense and Educational Fund of Chicago. Julian also served on the boards of various organizations dedicated to social justice.
Source:
- Science History Institute. "Scientific Biographies: Percy Lavon Julian." Retrieved from https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/percy-lavon-julian
