Wilberforce University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni and Enduring Impact
Introduction
Wilberforce University, nestled in Wilberforce, Ohio, stands as a testament to the power of education, resilience, and Black excellence. Established in 1856, it holds the distinction of being the first private historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the United States to be owned and operated by African Americans. Named after William Wilberforce, the English abolitionist, the university's history is interwoven with the struggles and triumphs of the African American community. From its origins as a beacon of hope during the abolitionist movement to its present-day commitment to fostering transformative leaders, Wilberforce University has left an indelible mark on the world through its notable alumni.
Historical Roots and Enduring Mission
Before the Civil War, educating Black people was often illegal in the South, making institutions like Wilberforce crucial. The need to educate the Ohio black community became a pressing issue of concern to community leaders, politicians, and religious groups. The Ohio Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) adopted education resolutions in 1833, and in the years following required their ministers to preach sermons on the need for education. The Ohio General Assembly formally mandated the establishment of public schools for Ohio's black population in 1854. In the years leading up to the American Civil War there was a growing movement to establish schools of higher learning for black people in the Northern United States as part of the abolitionist movement to end slavery. This was in stark contrast to the Southern United States where it was illegal for blacks to obtain an education. Wilberforce University (WU) was officially incorporated in accordance with the laws of Greene County, Ohio on August 30, 1856.
Wilberforce University's first board was deliberately selected to represent more Christian faith backgrounds than just the MEC, with board members making up representation from a variety of Christian denominations. One of the school's original board members was abolitionist Salmon P. Chase who was then the 23rd governor of Ohio and later became Chief Justice of the United States.
The outbreak of the American Civil War threatened the college's finances. The school depended on the financial support of the Southern planters whose children attended the school. With the outbreak of the war, these men withdrew their children, and the school was unable to maintain enough funding to pay its staff. An emergency meeting of the WU board on June 19, 1862 led to the decision to suspend the school's operations, with a resolution to pay its staff what was possible, but not what had been promised. Ultimately a decision was made to formally close WU at a board meeting on March 10, 1863 with a committee appointed to oversee the selling of the school's assets. Bishop Daniel A. Payne, a prominent figure in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), played a pivotal role in securing the university's future. Payne negotiated the purchase of Wilberforce by the AME Church, reopening it in 1863. This marked a significant milestone, as Payne became the first African American to serve as president of a university in the United States.
In addition to paying for the school and its assets, the AME Church paid off WU's debts. The church sold another property to raise the funds to do this. The acquisition of WU by the AME Church was overseen by three individuals representing the AME Church. These men included Payne, James A. Shorter, pastor of the AME Church in Zanesville, Ohio and a future bishop; and John G. Mitchell, principal of the Eastern District Public School of Cincinnati. These men were responsible for securing the necessary financing to buy WU. A new charter for the school was approved by a new board on June 10, 1863.
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Throughout its history, Wilberforce has faced numerous challenges, including financial instability and devastating events like the 1865 arson and the 1974 Super Outbreak tornado. However, the university's unwavering commitment to its mission and the resilience of its community have allowed it to persevere.
A Constellation of Notable Alumni
Wilberforce University's legacy is best exemplified through the accomplishments of its alumni, who have made significant contributions across various fields. These individuals embody the university's commitment to fostering leaders and agents of change.
- Pioneers in STEM: Dorothy Vaughan, a 1929 graduate, was a groundbreaking mathematician and human-computer who worked for NASA. She broke barriers as the first African American woman to supervise a group of staff at the center, a story immortalized in the film "Hidden Figures."
- Champions of Civil Rights and Social Justice: Bayard Rustin, a prominent leader in social movements, was the principal organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. His tireless advocacy for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and LGBTQ+ rights has left an enduring legacy.
- Political Trailblazers: Richard Harvey Cain served as a United States Representative from South Carolina, championing the rights of African Americans during the Reconstruction era. James H. McGee broke barriers as the first Black mayor of Dayton, Ohio, and served the longest tenure in that position to date. James Carroll Napier was an American businessman, lawyer, politician, and civil rights leader from Nashville, Tennessee, who served as Register of the Treasury from 1911 to 1913. He is one of only five African Americans with their signatures on American currency. Floyd H. Flake served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and later as president of Wilberforce University, demonstrating a commitment to both public service and education.
- Leaders in Arts and Culture: William Grant Still, a celebrated composer, broke racial barriers in the world of classical music. He was the first African American to conduct a major symphony orchestra and have an opera broadcast on national television. Frank Foster was an American tenor and soprano saxophonist, flautist, arranger, and composer. Foster collaborated frequently with Count Basie and worked as a bandleader from the early 1950s. Albery Allson Whitman, born into slavery, became a writer. During his lifetime he was acclaimed as the "Poet Laureate of the Negro Race".
- Architectural Visionaries: John A. Lankford, known as the "Dean of Black Architecture," was the first licensed Black architect in Virginia and Washington, D.C., leaving a lasting impact on the built environment.
- Global Leaders: Hastings Kamuzu Banda served as the leader of Malawi from 1964 to 1994, playing a pivotal role in the country's independence and development. Charlotte Maxeke was the first black woman to graduate with a university degree in South Africa with a B.Sc. from Wilberforce University, Ohio, in 1903, as well as the first African woman to graduate from an American university.
- Religious and Spiritual Guides: Rev. Dr. Mary G. Evans was the first woman awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree from Wilberforce, a groundbreaking achievement in religious education. Theophilus Gould "T.G." Steward was an American author, educator, and clergyman. Benjamin Franklin Lee was a religious leader and educator in the United States. He was the president of Wilberforce University from 1876 to 1884. He was then elected a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, serving from 1892 until his resignation in 1921, becoming senior bishop in the church in 1915.
- Voices in Literature and Journalism: Hallie Quinn Brown was an African-American educator and activist. Katherine Davis Chapman Tillman was an American writer. Susie Isabel Lankford Shorter was an American educator, philanthropist, and writer. Ruth Ada Gaines-Shelton was an American playwright and educator.
Wilberforce University's Enduring Impact
Wilberforce University's impact extends beyond the individual achievements of its alumni. The university plays a vital role in its community and the broader world.
- Economic Engine: Wilberforce University contributes significantly to the local economy, generating millions of dollars through its operations, employment, and the lifetime earnings of its graduates.
- Community Hub: Along with Payne Theological Seminary and Central State University, Wilberforce forms a "triangle of hope" in Ohio, providing educational, spiritual, and community resources.
- Catalyst for Transformation: Wilberforce remains committed to fostering transformative leaders who will address the challenges facing society and create a more just and equitable world.
Interconnectedness with Payne Theological Seminary and Central State University
Wilberforce University shares a unique and intertwined history with Payne Theological Seminary and Central State University, both located in close proximity in Greene County, Ohio. These three institutions form a powerful legacy of education, faith, and resilience. Payne Theological Seminary began as the theological department of Wilberforce University. Later it separated and became Payne Theological Seminary, named in honor of Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne. Central State emerged from a state-supported department co-located within Wilberforce called the âCombined Normal and Industrial Department,â established by Ohio in 1887. It provided teacher training and industrial/vocational education.
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