Lincoln University of Missouri: Notable Alumni and Their Impact

Lincoln University (Lincoln U) is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Jefferson City, Missouri. Founded in 1866 by African-American veterans of the American Civil War, it stands as a testament to the pursuit of education and opportunity. This article explores the lives and accomplishments of some of Lincoln University's most notable alumni, highlighting their contributions to various fields and their lasting impact on society. It changed its name to Lincoln University of Missouri. In 1954, it opened its doors to applicants of all ethnicities.

A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

Originally named Lincoln Institute (1866-1921), the university was established on January 14, 1866. The institution's motto, "Laborare et studere" (To labor and study), reflects its commitment to both intellectual and practical pursuits. Missouri designated the school a land-grant university, emphasizing agriculture, mechanics and teaching. By 1921, the college had expanded to offer graduate programs.

Notable Alumni

Lincoln University has produced a diverse array of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. The following are some of the most notable alumni, sorted by their prominence:

Langston Hughes: A Voice of the Harlem Renaissance

Occupation: Poet, Novelist, Lyricist
Years: (1902-1967)
Birthplace: Joplin, Missouri, USA

Langston Hughes, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, is celebrated for his powerful poetry, novels, and lyrics that captured the African American experience. His work explored themes of race, identity, and social justice, leaving an indelible mark on American literature and culture. He ranks #1 on The Best African American Poets Of All Time, Ranked and #8 on The 63 Best American Poets, Ranked.

Thurgood Marshall: Champion of Civil Rights

Occupation: Judge, Politician, Jurist
Years: (1908-1993)
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Thurgood Marshall was a groundbreaking figure in American legal history. As a lawyer, he argued and won the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case before the Supreme Court, which declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional. He later became the first African American Supreme Court Justice, where he served for 24 years, championing civil rights and social justice. He is also a Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner and Famous Shriners Member.

Cab Calloway: The "Hi-De-Ho" Man of Jazz

Occupation: Musician, Bandleader, Singer-songwriter
Years: (1907-1994)
Birthplace: Rochester, New York, USA

Cab Calloway was a charismatic jazz musician, bandleader, and singer-songwriter, known for his energetic performances and signature song "Minnie the Moocher." He was a major figure in the swing era and helped popularize jazz music across the country. He ranks #2 on The Best Musical Artists From Delaware, #3 on The Best Musical Artists From Maryland, and #8 on The Greatest Swing Jazz Musicians of All Time.

Gil Scott-Heron: The Godfather of Rap

Occupation: Film Score Composer, Poet, Songwriter
Years: (1949-2011)
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Gil Scott-Heron was a poet, musician, and spoken-word artist, often referred to as the "Godfather of Rap." His politically charged lyrics and innovative blend of jazz, blues, and soul music influenced generations of hip-hop artists. He is also ranked #3 on The Best Spoken Word Artists/Bands and #28 on The Best African American Poets Of All Time, Ranked.

Joe Torry: Comedian and Actor

Occupation: Rapper, Comedian, Entrepreneur
Age: 60
Birthplace: St. Louis, USA

Joe Torry is an American actor and comedian.

Ann Walton Kroenke

Age: 77

Ann Walton Kroenke is an American businesswoman and philanthropist.

Mervyn M. Dymally: A Trailblazing Politician

Occupation: Politician

Mervyn Malcolm Dymally was an American politician from California. He served in the California State Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives (1981-1993). Dymally returned to politics a decade later to serve in the California State Assembly (2003-2008).

Wendell Oliver Pruitt: Tuskegee Airman

Occupation: Aircraft Pilot

Wendell Oliver Pruitt was an American military pilot and Tuskegee Airman originally from St. Louis, Missouri. He was killed during a training exercise in 1945. After his death, his name, along with that of William L. Igoe, was given to the Pruitt-Igoe public housing complex in St. Louis.

Oliver Lake: Jazz Innovator

Occupation: Composer, Recording Artist, Saxophonist, Jazz Musician

Oliver Lake is an American jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, poet, and visual artist. During the 1960s, Lake worked with the Black Artists Group in St. Louis. In 1977, he founded the World Saxophone Quartet with David Murray, Julius Hemphill, and Hamiet Bluiett. Lake has appeared on more than 80 albums as a bandleader, co-leader, and side musician.

Julius Hemphill: Jazz Composer and Saxophonist

Occupation: Composer, Jazz Musician, Saxophonist

Julius Arthur Hemphill was a jazz composer and saxophone player.

John Hicks: Jazz Pianist and Composer

Occupation: Composer, Jazz Musician, Pianist

John Josephus Hicks Jr. was an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. He was leader of more than 30 recordings and played as a sideman on more than 300.

John Carter: Jazz Clarinetist and Saxophonist

Occupation: Jazz Musician, Saxophonist, Music Educator, Clarinetist

John Wallace Carter was an American jazz clarinet, saxophone, and flute player. He is noted for the acclaimed Roots and Folklore series, a five-album concept album set inspired by African American life and experiences.

Read also: Affording LMU: A Guide

John Collins-Muhammad: Politician and Activist

Occupation: Politician

John Collins-Muhammad, Jr., known by his initials, JCM, is a former American politician and Muslim minister from the state of Missouri. He served on the Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis representing the 21st Ward. Collins-Muhammad was elected to his first term in April 2017 at the age of 25, which makes him the youngest person ever to be elected alderman in St. Louis, and the first Muslim ever elected to that position. He resigned in May 2022. He led protests during the 2014 Ferguson Uprising and is a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam.

Joshua Peters: Missouri State Representative

Occupation: Politician

Joshua D. Peters is an American politician in the Democratic Party who was the Missouri State Representative of Missouri's 76th District from 2013 to 2019. At the time of his election, he was the youngest African American ever elected to the Missouri House of Representatives.

William Tecumseh Vernon: Educator and Minister

Occupation: Missionary

William Tecumseh Vernon was an American educator, minister and bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church who served as president of Western University beginning in 1896 and Register of the Treasury from 1906 to 1911.

Theodore McMillian: Pioneering Judge

Occupation: Lawyer, Judge

Theodore McMillian was the first African American to serve on the Missouri Court of Appeals, and the first African American to serve as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Floyd J. McCree: First African American Mayor of Flint, Michigan

Occupation: Politician

Floyd J. McCree, was a Michigan politician. He was the first African American mayor of Flint, Michigan.

John A. Lankford: Architect

Occupation: Architect

John A. Lankford, American architect. He was the first professionally licensed African American architect in Virginia in 1922 and in the District of Columbia in 1924. He has been regarded as the "dean of black architecture".

William J. Thompkins: Physician and Civil Rights Advocate

Occupation: Journalist

William J. Thompkins was a physician and health administrator in Kansas City, Missouri and served as Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia from 1934 to his death. He first received national notice when he challenged Jim Crow Laws in Oklahoma in Federal Courts in the early 1910s.

Leon Bates: Labor Leader

Years: 1899-1972 (aged 73)
Occupation: Trade Unionist

Leon E. Bates Sr. was an American labor union leader with the United Auto Workers union (UAW) from 1937 to 1964 when he retired as an "International Representative" of the UAW. He was one of the first African-American union organizers to work for the "UAW-CIO" (Congress of Industrial Organizations).

Luetkemeyer, Blaine

Luetkemeyer represented Missouri's 3rd congressional district from 2013 to 2025. He previously represented Missouri's 9th congressional district from 2009 to 2013. A member of the Republican Party, Luetkemeyer formerly served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. On January 4, 2024, he announced he would not run for reelection in 2024.

Carey Means

Occupation: Voice actor, stage actor

Carey Means is an American voice and stage actor best known for playing Frylock on the Adult Swim show Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Thundercleese on The Brak Show. He has also performed in several theatrical musicals and plays, including South Pacific, Two Trains Running, A Soldier's Play, and Waiting for Godot. He provided the voice of Jonah Bishop on the Nickelodeon series Welcome to the Wayne.

Lincoln Kilpatrick

Occupation: Stage actor, actor, television actor

Lincoln Kilpatrick was an American film, television, and stage actor.

Ronald Townson

Occupation: Singer

Ronald Townson was an American vocalist. He was an original member of the 5th Dimension, a popular vocal group of the late 1960s and early 1970s; he is the only original member of the group who is no longer living.

Lincoln University Today

The Lincoln University athletic teams are called the Blue Tigers. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II ranks, primarily competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) since the 2024-25 academic year. Founder's Day, traditionally held on the first Saturday of February, pays tribute to the founders of Lincoln University. Homecoming, usually held in October, is a celebratory time when family and friends of Lincoln University convene to participate in gala activities. The "Marching Musical Storm" is the university's marching band. It was founded in 1948 and is one of the largest student organizations on campus.

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