Texas Black History Makers

04/11/2026

For over a century, historians believed Cudjo Lewis was the last survivor of the transatlantic slave trade. When he died in 1935, the world thought the final living link to that horror had been severed.
They were wrong by five years.
Dr. Hannah Durkin, a historian at Newcastle University, was researching in dusty archives when she found a newspaper clipping from the Selma Times-Journal dated 1931.
It described an elderly Black woman who had walked 15 miles to the Dallas County Courthouse in Alabama to file a legal claim for compensation. She claimed she had been kidnapped from Africa and illegally brought to the United States on a slave ship.
Her name was Matilda McCrear.
And Dr. Durkin realized: if she was alive in 1931, she might have lived longer than Cudjo Lewis.
What followed was years of painstaking detective work—triangulating ship manifests, census records, family interviews, and forgotten documents.
Dr. Durkin pieced together the story of a woman who had been systematically erased by history.

Matilda's birth name was Àbáké—which means "born to be loved by all" in Yoruba.
She was born around 1857-1858 among the Yoruba people in what is now Benin, West Africa.
In 1860, when Matilda was just two years old, the army of the Kingdom of Dahomey raided her village. She was captured along with her mother Gracie, her sisters, and others.
They were marched to the slave port of Ouidah and sold.
Her two brothers were left behind in Africa. Matilda would never know what happened to them.
The ship that took her was the Clotilda—the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States.
This was 1860—over 50 years after Congress had outlawed the international slave trade in 1808. The Clotilda's voyage was illegal, its cargo contraband.
110 people were aboard that ship, kidnapped and transported across the Atlantic under horrific conditions.
When they arrived in Mobile, Alabama in July 1860, they were distributed to slaveholders under cover of darkness.
Matilda, her mother Gracie, and her sister Sallie were purchased by a plantation owner named Memorable Walker Creagh.
Her two oldest sisters were sold to a different owner. Matilda never saw them again.

When the Civil War ended in 1865, Matilda was about seven years old. She was free—but had no way home.
She grew up in Alabama, working as a sharecropper alongside her mother. Life after slavery was brutal—poverty, segregation, Jim Crow laws.
But Matilda resisted in quiet, powerful ways.
She changed her surname from "Creagh"—her enslaver's name—to "McCrear." An assertion of her own identity.
Even though she'd left Africa as a toddler, she wore her hair in a traditional Yoruba style throughout her entire life—a style her mother had taught her.
She never married, but had a decades-long relationship with a white German-born man and had 14 children with him—a relationship that crossed racial, class, and possibly religious lines in the deeply segregated South.
This was, as Dr. Durkin described it, "astonishing" for that time and place.

The most remarkable moment came in 1931.
Matilda was in her 70s. She heard a rumor that people illegally brought to the US as slaves were receiving compensation.
So she did something unthinkable for an elderly Black woman in Jim Crow Alabama:
She walked 15 miles to the courthouse in Selma and filed a legal claim for reparations.
She stood before a judge and argued that she had been kidnapped and illegally trafficked on the Clotilda, and that the government owed her compensation for the life stolen from her.
The judge declared the rumor "false" and dismissed her case.
But the local newspaper, the Selma Times-Journal, interviewed her. That article—written by a white journalist who showed dismissive attitudes toward Matilda—nevertheless preserved crucial details of her life.
That article sat in archives for nearly 90 years until Dr. Hannah Durkin found it.

Matilda McCrear died on January 13, 1940 in Selma, Alabama. She was 82 or 83 years old.
She had lived through:

The Civil War
Reconstruction
Jim Crow segregation
World War I
The Great Depression
The outbreak of World War II in Europe

Someone who had been kidnapped from Africa on a slave ship was still alive when Hi**er invaded Poland.
The "ancient" history of slavery was that recent.
When Dr. Durkin published her findings in 2020 in the journal Slavery & Abolition, it stunned the world.
She contacted Matilda's descendants—including her grandson Johnny Crear, then 83 years old.
"I had no idea she'd been on the Clotilda," Johnny told Dr. Durkin. "It came as a real surprise."
His family knew Matilda had been born in Africa, but they didn't know the full significance of her story—that she was the last known survivor of the transatlantic slave trade.
Dr. Durkin had given a family back their matriarch's true story.

What makes this discovery so powerful is not just that Matilda lived longer than previously known.
It's who she was.
She wasn't passive. She didn't disappear. She fought back in every way available to her.
She reclaimed her name. She wore her African identity proudly in a place that demanded she forget it. She walked 15 miles at age 70+ to demand justice in a courthouse in 1931 Alabama.
Dr. Hannah Durkin spent years in archives refusing to accept the "official" story. She followed leads others had missed. She triangulated fragmentary records. She gave voice to someone history had tried to erase.
A historian found a newspaper clipping from 1931 about a woman who'd sued for reparations—kidnapped from Africa at 2 on the last slave ship. She died in 1940. History had forgotten her. Dr. Hannah Durkin remembered.

02/27/2026

02/24/2026

Charles L. Garcia: A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Charles L. Garcia, a distinguished Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha, embodies a remarkable journey through sports, education, and community service. A proud member of the Gamma Pi Lambda chapter, initiated in 1965, Garcia has dedicated his life to uplifting others and celebrating Black history.

**Career Highlights:**
- **NFL Scout**: Over an impressive 30-year career, Garcia served as a scout for several NFL teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots. His keen eye for talent contributed to the success of these franchises, showcasing his deep understanding of the game.
- **USFL Leadership**: Garcia also made his mark in the United States Football League (USFL) as an Assistant General Manager, where he helped shape the future of the league during its formative years.

**Honors and Recognition**:
- **Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame**: His contributions to sports and the community have earned him a respected place in the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his impact and leadership within the Black sports community.
- **HBCU Hall of Fame Selection Committee**: Garcia's commitment to education and advocacy for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is evident in his role on the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, where he honors the achievements of trailblazers in the field.

**Brotherhood and Community**:
- As the second oldest brother of Alpha Sigma Lambda, initiated in 1990, Garcia exemplifies the values of brotherhood, service, and commitment to excellence. His legacy continues to inspire younger generations to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities.

Charles L. Garcia’s life and career reflect not just personal achievement, but a profound dedication to the betterment of his community and the celebration of Black history. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of preserving the legacy of those who paved the way.

02/12/2026

Three of soldiers were from Texas.

Everyone has heard of the Battle of the Bulge,but few people have heard of The Wereth 11. The 11 African-American soldiers from the 333rd Field Artillery Bat...

02/05/2026

Porter Charleston

This article was written by Jay Hurd
Porter Charleston (Courtesy of Baltimore Afro-American)Porter Riley Charleston was born in Mexia, Limestone County, Texas, on January 8, 1904. Charleston’s life story is filled with gaps. His parentage remains obscure; whether or not he played in one of the Negro/Colored Leagues in Texas is not known.1 When Charleston first traveled to Pennsylvania, where his Negro League career began with the Hilldale Daisies in 1927, is uncertain. However, it appears that he called Chester, Pennsylvania, in Delaware County, his home during his Negro League career and until his death on June 11, 1986.

Porter began his professional Negro League career with the Daisies in 1927. At 23 years of age, he provided a bright spot in Hilldale’s pitching rotation. The 1927 Hilldale Daisies – also known as Clan Darby (or Darbie) – were managed by Frank Warfield for the first 17 games, and later by Otto Briggs for the final 70 games. The team, owned by Ed Bolden, featured greats Biz Mackey and Judy Johnson. That first season, Charleston, who stood 6-feet-1 and weighed 181 pounds, appeared in four games, completed three, and owned a 1-2 record. His performance earned praise from the press; and he was dubbed the “Swarthmore Rookie,”2 perhaps due to Chester’s proximity to Swarthmore College. From the outset of his playing days, the gaps in Charleston’s life story were acknowledged. One reporter wrote, “The Rookie Twirler of the Clan Darbie, Porter Charleston, seems to know what it is all about. He has pitched several splendid games for Ed Bolden and he looks like a real find. How they caught him, found him, came by him, I know not. And it matters not, if he continues to deliver the goods.”3 The 1927 Daisies finished the Eastern Colored League (ECL) season with a 38-48 record.

The 1928 Daisies fared much better under manager Otto Briggs, and with the addition of 31-year-old center fielder and future Hall of Famer Oscar Charleston. Porter Charleston played in 15 games, pitching to a 4-6 record, with five complete games. The right-handed hurler also hit .222 that year.4

In 1929 Charleston pitched a career-high 120⅓ innings, with 12 games started, and produced a 9-5 record. Managers for the Daisies were Oscar Charleston (0-4) and Phil Cockrell (44-32-4); the team’s overall record was 44-36-4, and in the American Negro League, 43-35-3. The Pittsburgh Courier wrote that Charleston “has been touted as one of the [Daisies’] newest stars.”5 He also was identified that year as a utility player.6 He showed great promise, and it was noted that “Charleston has developed into one of the best hurlers on the strong staff of Clan Darbie and is most effective against tough competition.”7

The 1930 season was unusual in that Charleston received little attention, except for a note by W. Rollo Wilson that identified strengths and weaknesses in his game: “I consider Charleston was [one] of the best pitching prospects in the country, and only his own conduct off the field can keep him from stardom.”8 The “conduct off the field” statement is notable and indicates that Charleston may have run afoul of Bolden, the Hilldale owner, or worse. Charleston does not appear to have pitched for Hilldale that season; if he did, he was not involved in games against any of the other major Black clubs in the East. Hilldale finished with only the fifth-best record among the Eastern Independent clubs under manager Phil Cockrell and had a miserable 8-30-1 record.

In 1931 the 27-year-old Charleston was back with Hilldale and appeared in 11 games, finishing with an 8-2 record and nine complete games. Managed by Judy Johnson, the Hilldale Club – the team’s name that year –finished as the top squad among the East’s Independent Clubs with a 38-14-1 record. Of note is an article that addressed Charleston’s off-the-field reputation: “Porter Charleston is home again. The bad boy of the suburbs is back from the Pacific slope.”9

In 1932, his final year with the Hilldale Club, Charleston delivered a 5-3 record, completing each of the eight games he started. That same year, the Baltimore Black Sox acquired Charleston, who appeared in one game as a relief pitcher. The Baltimore club, managed by Dick Lundy, had a record of 33-33 in the East-West League that year.

Charleston became a Philadelphia Star in 1933. He started four games and compiled a 3-0 record, completing three of the four games. He married Cora Robinson on July 20, 1933.10 They had at least one child, a son named Porter Charleston Jr., who achieved some repute as a boxer.11

The Philadelphia Stars of 1934, managed by Webster McDonald, accumulated an overall record of 49-24-3 and a Negro National League II (NNL2) record of 39-18-2. After winning the NNL2’s second-half title, the Stars captured the league championship by defeating the Chicago American Giants, winners of the first-half title. Charleston’s role on the team is not clear, but his name does appear in some press clippings. In June a columnist reported, “The Boldeners have had a run of hard luck. … Porter Charleston reported with a sore arm and it gets no better right along.”12 Apparently Charleston sat out the year with an injury, but it is possible that he played in exhibition games later in the season.13

Charleston was 31 in 1935, which was his last in the Negro Leagues. But it certainly was not his final year in baseball. Playing for the Philadelphia Stars, he had a record of 2-1 in five league games. The press still praised Charleston as “a great natural pitcher, who may start the [season] opener against the Grays.”14 Indeed, the 1935 season looked bright for him; a newspaper commented, “Local sports fans who looked askance at the weak performance of Porter Charleston during the ’34 season are in for a surprise. Exhibiting a contract from Ed Bolden’s Philadelphia Stars, Charleston, for several years, the ace of the Negro pitchers, is signed for comeback.”15

After his final season with the Stars, Charleston continued to play with semipro teams, including Ed Billstein’s Congoleum Crescents. (Billstein was “one of the prominent members of the Congoleum-Nairn office.”16) Other teams for whom he played were the Chester Elks, the Swarthmore Giants, the Lincoln Giants, and Stan Jackson’s Chester Clippers. (Stan Jackson was a Chester High School baseball and football player.17)

Charleston’s appearance with the Baltimore Black Sox in 1939 was noteworthy. The Delaware County Daily Times reported, “Porter Charleston, famous Negro League pitcher, leads the Baltimore Black Sox into town tonight to battle the Lloyd A.C. Tossers. … Charleston is one of the most popular pitchers ever to appear in Chester and is quite well known around the local diamonds.”18

With World War II raging, Charleston registered for the military draft. His draft card notes his age as 35, but as most records indicate he was born in 1904, he was more likely 36. He listed his wife, Cora Robinson, as his contact person and gave his employer as L.M. Supplee, possibly a hardware supplier. Charleston was not called to service, so he was able to continue to play baseball, and he garnered positive press coverage. In 1941 his name headlined a story: “Charleston Stars as Clippers Win.” In this game, pitching for Stan Jackson’s Chester Clippers, Charleston allowed the Eveready A.C. team, of Leesburg, Virginia, “2hits in the first inning,” then “faced only 25 men in the last eight frames. He had four hits in four times and batted in the only two runs of the game.”19

In a 1942 reflection on decades of Negro League baseball, sportswriter Randy Dixon included Charleston as one of many Negro Leaguers who had the talent to play in what were then termed the (White) major leagues.20

As the years passed, Charleston received attention for his baseball play and for non-baseball-related events. In 1948 a newspaper reported that “police are investigating the shooting of Porter Charleston,”21 adding, “… According to the story he told police, the shot was fired by William Johnson, his next door neighbor.” Charleston said the Johnsons were in his home that evening, and that Johnson aimed his pistol at Mrs. Johnson. After the gun failed to fire, Johnson fired again and “Mrs. Johnson is said to have ducked. Charleston who was in the line of fire received the bullet.”22

More details came out in December 1948: William Johnson was sent to the county jail for three to 23 months. Porter Charleston testified that “Mrs. Johnson ducked into my room” when she saw her husband coming up the stairs. Johnson fired one shot, the bullet going through Charleston’s right side without damaging any vital organs. …”23 As troubling as this story was, Charleston still garnered attention for his baseball prowess as well. The article stated that “At one time [Charleston] was rated the equal of the famed ‘Satchel’ Paige, according to Arnold (Lefty) Vann, manager of the Lloyd A.C. who has played against both men.”24

Ten years later, Charleston was seriously injured in an automobile accident. According to a newspaper report, “Charleston, 54, of 114 Flower St., considered one of the [greatest] Negro baseball stars of all time, was injured when the car he was driving collided with one operated by Dolores J. Chandler. … He was treated at Chester Hospital for cuts of the arm, face, leg and back. …”25

In another reflective piece that considered Negro League players who could have played major-league baseball, the Delaware County Daily Times asserted, “Porter Charleston, as a pitcher of note, who appeared at Smedley Field to play ball against Chester usually belted the ball out of the park over the centerfield flag pole with plenty to spare.”26

A 1968 article in the Daily Times noted that Charleston was to be included, for the first time, on the Delaware County Hall of Fame ballot and mentioned that he had played winter ball in Arizona and California. The article said, “Porter called himself primarily a fast ball pitcher – but I had a little bit of everything, he adds with a grin.”27 The writer quoted former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh, who said that Charleston “had everything necessary to make it to the big leagues. He just came along a little too soon.”28 Charleston was finally inducted into the Delaware County Hall of Fame in 1970, at which time he was described as “the man called a fit rival for the legendary Satchel Paige.”29

Porter Charleston died at the age of 82 on June 11, 1986, and reportedly was buried at the Haven Memorial Cemetery in Chester, Pennsylvania. The uncertainties of his life remain. He was indeed a very good baseball player – he played in the Negro Leagues from 1927 to 1935, and his baseball talent brought him numerous appearances on semipro teams. In newspaper articles, he was described as a quiet man who worked for the city of Chester. While these reports are incomplete, he is remembered for his baseball play and for the reality that he, among others, did not play in the National or American Leagues simply because he was a Black man.



Sources

Unless otherwise noted, all Negro League statistics and records were taken from Seamheads.com’s Negro League Database.



Notes

1 Mexia, Texas, near the Fort Worth area, featured the Texas Negro League, the Colored Texas League, the South Texas Negro League, and the West Texas Colored League.

2 “Cubans Are Beaten in 2 Contests,” Pittsburgh Courier, September 10, 1927: 18.

3 W. Rollo Wilson, “Sports Shots,” Pittsburgh Courier, September 3, 1927: 18.

4 It is not clear whether Porter Charleston batted right or left.

5 “Baltimore Bows Before Grays in 4 Close Tilts; Hilldale Here Friday,” Pittsburgh Courier, June 22, 1929: 16.

6 “Daisies to Show on Forbes Field,” Pittsburgh Courier, June 22, 1929: 16.

7 W. Rollo Wilson, “Sports Shots,” Pittsburgh Courier, August 31, 1929: 5.

8 W. Rollo Wilson, “Sports Shots,” Pittsburgh Courier, April 19, 1930: 16.

9 “Charl’ton Holds Sox to 3 Hits in Classic,” Pittsburgh Courier, May 9, 1931: 5.

10 Delaware County Records Center, Marriage Records 1885-1950, http://archives.co.delaware.pa.us/Archives/Marriage1885.aspx.

11 Frank Johnson, “Local Boxers Win All Lloyd AC Contests,” Delaware County Daily Times (Chester, Pennsylvania), August 3, 1949: 14.

12 W. Rollo Wilson, “Sports Shots,” Pittsburgh Courier, June 9, 1934: 14.

13 “Among Our Colored Citizens,” Delaware County Daily Times, August 9, 1934: 18.

14 “Local Sports,” Pittsburgh Courier, April 27, 1935: 16.

15 “Among Our Colored Citizens,” Delaware County Daily Times, February 13, 1935: 7.

16 “Crescents to Meet Boldens,” Delaware County Daily Times, August 4, 1936: 10.

17 Delaware County Daily Times, September 20, 1937: 30.

18 “Charleston to Pitch in Clash at Lloyd Field,” Delaware County Daily Times, August 11, 1939: 12.

19 “Charleston Stars as Clippers Win,” Delaware County Daily Times, July 2, 1941: 20.

20 Randy Dixon, “The Sports Bugle,” Pittsburgh Courier, August 15, 1942: 16.

21 The Editors, “How It Looks to Us,” Delaware County Daily Times, October 23, 1948. 1

22 “Former Negro Baseball Star Shot in Side,” Delaware County Daily Times, October 23, 1948: 1.

23 Chester Youth Pleads Guilty in Assault Case,” Delaware County Daily Times, December 31, 1948. 2.

24 “Former Negro Baseball Star Shot in Side.”

25 “7 Injured in County Accidents,” Delaware County Daily Times, June 16, 1958: 46.

26 “Old Timers Hall of Fame Rapped for Omitting Greats,” Delaware County Daily Times, January 12, 1967: 23.

27 John Plaisant, “Porter Charleston Fired Fast Ball 25 Years Too Soon,” Delaware County Daily Times, January 16, 1968: 32.

28 Plaisant.

29 “Tunnell, Walker Lead Greats into Hall of Fame,” Delaware County Daily Times, January 6, 1970: 15.

Full Name
Porter Riley Charleston

Born
January 8, 1904 at Mexia, TX (USA)

Died
June 11, 1986 at Chester, PA (USA)

02/04/2026

The Jackie Robinson of Rodeo: The Inspiring Journey of Myrtis Dightman

Myrtis Dightman was born in 1935 in Crockett, Texas, on a sprawling ranch that served as the backdrop for his early years. Growing up in a family that faced significant challenges, Myrtis was the first African-American to compete in what was then known as the World Series of Rodeo. His father, Odie, worked tirelessly as a hand on a four-thousand-acre ranch owned by Karl Leediker, a white man whose family had immigrated from Russia. Life on the ranch was tough; the Dightman household had no electricity, and Myrtis and his four siblings often gathered around a coal oil lamp for their evening meals.

As he reached eighteen, Myrtis had enough of working on cattle farms and moved to Houston, seeking new opportunities and a life aligned with his passion for rodeo. He lived with relatives and took on odd jobs, but his heart remained rooted in the cowboy lifestyle. Myrtis was not just a participant; he excelled in the rodeo arena, showcasing his skills as a talented rodeo clown. His speed and agility earned him recognition, and he became known among fellow cowboys for his quickness.

One notable story from his career occurred in 1968 when Myrtis faced a bull named B-16 at the Tucson Rodeo. During the ride, B-16 struck Myrtis in the forehead, causing him to fall and suffer a devastating injury. He was carried out on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital, where it took seventy stitches to mend the damage. Remarkably, just a day later, while still bleeding, Myrtis was back in the arena, determined to ride again. His tenacity was evident when he qualified for the National Finals that same year, although he didn’t win.

Myrtis’s influence extended beyond his own achievements. In 1957, he made a significant observation during the Houston Parade, where he noted that not a single trail rider was black. This realization sparked a change, leading him and fellow bull rider James Francis to Prairie View A&M University, where they collaborated with Dr. Alford Poindexter, a veterinary professor. Together, they founded the Prairie View Trail Riders Association, the first black organization of its kind in Texas and possibly the United States.

By the time Myrtis turned 25 in 1960, he was considered middle-aged for pro rodeo. Yet, he decided to pursue bull riding, supported by friends like Red Rooster, Willie Thomas, James Thomas, and Freddie Gordo. Myrtis’s efforts culminated in a significant milestone when Charles Sampson, a young bull rider from Watts, became the first Black Rodeo World Champion Bull Rider in 1982, with Myrtis playing a pivotal role in his journey.

In October 1997, Myrtis Dightman was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame, a testament to his contributions to the sport and his groundbreaking role as a pioneer for African-Americans in rodeo. In 1964, he had achieved a remarkable ranking as the seventeenth best in the world in bull riding.

Myrtis Dightman resides in Crockett, Texas, where he continues to embrace his love for rodeo . His legacy as the "Jackie Robinson of Rodeo" stands as a powerful reminder of the barriers he broke and the path he paved for future generations of riders.

Reflecting on his journey, Myrtis once said, “When the ground ain't too soft, that's when you know it's time to quit.” His story is one of resilience, passion, and a commitment to uplifting others in the world of rodeo.

The tale of Myrtis Dightman is more than just a narrative about rodeo; it’s an inspiring chronicle of breaking barriers, championing diversity, and creating opportunities in a sport that has long been dominated by a lack of representation. His life’s work challenges us all to recognize the importance of inclusion and perseverance in any field.

02/02/2026

02/02/2026

**Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins: A Texas Blues Legend**

**Early Life and Background**
Sam Hopkins was born on March 15, 1912, in Centerville, Texas, into a family of sharecroppers. Growing up in East Texas, he was surrounded by the rich musical influences of the region, including the blues, gospel, and folk music common among African American communities. His early exposure to music came from family gatherings and local musicians, helping to shape his style.

**Musical Career**
Hopkins's career took off in the late 1940s when he began recording for prestigious labels like Aladdin and Specialty. He is often credited with pioneering the Texas blues sound, characterized by its rhythm and storytelling elements. His guitar playing featured a distinctive fingerpicking style, which became a hallmark of his music.

- **Key Contributions:**
- **"Mojo Hand"** and **"Short Haired Woman"** are among his most famous songs, showcasing his ability to blend personal narratives with broader themes of love, loss, and resilience.
- He became a prominent figure in the Houston blues scene, performing at local venues and festivals, influencing countless musicians who followed.

**Cultural Significance**
Hopkins's music resonates deeply within the African American experience in Texas. His songs often reflect the struggles and joys of life in the South, capturing the essence of the African American narrative during a time of significant social change.

- **Influence on Other Artists:**
- He inspired a generation of blues musicians, including younger artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan, who drew from his style and techniques.
- His music has also crossed genres, influencing rock and roll and folk musicians, further solidifying his legacy.

**Legacy**
Sam Hopkins passed away on January 30, 1982, but his impact on music and culture remains significant. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, recognizing his contributions to American music.

**Reflection**
In Texas, Lightnin' Hopkins is not just a musician; he represents the resilience and creativity of African Americans in the face of adversity. His life and work encapsulate the spirit of Texas blues and serve as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped the state's history.

This exploration of his life invites us to appreciate not only the music but also the stories behind it, recognizing the profound influence of artists like Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins on both Texas and Texas culture.

02/01/2026

**Henry Ransom Cecil McBay: A Pioneering Chemist and Educator**

**Early Life and Education**
Henry Ransom Cecil McBay was born on May 29, 1914, in Mexia, Texas. His early education laid a strong foundation for his future achievements. In 1934, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wiley College, a historically Black college known for its commitment to educating African Americans. His academic journey continued with a Master of Science from Atlanta University in 1936. Driven by a passion for chemistry, McBay pursued a Doctor of Philosophy at the prestigious University of Chicago, which he completed in 1945.

**Career and Contributions**
McBay's professional career began at Wiley College, where he served as an Instructor of Chemistry. His teaching skills and expertise were further honed during his tenure at Western University in Kansas City. His commitment to research and education soon gained recognition; in 1944 and 1945, he was awarded the Elizabeth Norton Prize at the University of Chicago for his outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry.

In 1949, McBay received a significant boost in his research endeavors when he was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Research Corporation of New York. This funding facilitated his exploration of chemical compounds, showcasing his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.

**International Impact and Research**
In 1951, McBay was appointed as a technical expert on a mission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Liberia. This role allowed him to share his expertise on a global scale, contributing to the international scientific community and fostering educational development.

Notably, McBay was the first recipient of research funding from a donation made by the renowned scientist George Washington Carver to the Tuskegee Institute. His research focused on the extraction of fibers from okra, a project that highlighted his innovative approach to chemistry and its applications in agriculture.

**Longstanding Legacy at Morehouse College**
From 1945 to 1981, McBay dedicated himself to teaching at Morehouse College, where he began as an Instructor and eventually rose to the position of full Professor. His leadership was evident during his tenure as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry from 1960 to 1981, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and mentoring countless students. His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he inspired future generations of scientists and leaders.

In 1982, McBay was appointed the Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Chemistry at Atlanta University, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in his field. In 1986, he became a professor emeritus at Clark Atlanta University, where his legacy continued to inspire students and faculty alike.

**Legacy and Recognition**
Henry Ransom Cecil McBay passed away on June 23, 1995, leaving behind a rich legacy as a trailblazer in chemistry and education. His contributions not only advanced scientific research but also paved the way for future generations of African American scientists. Through his dedication to teaching, groundbreaking research, and commitment to community service, McBay's impact continues to resonate in the fields of chemistry and education today. His journey reflects the importance of perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge, serving as an enduring inspiration during Black History Month and beyond.