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Richard Greener: The Trailblazing First Black Graduate of Harvard College

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Published in Uncompromising Activist: Richard Greener First Black Graduate Of Harvard College (The Johns Hopkins University Studies In Historical And Political Science 132)

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Richard Greener, The First Black Graduate Of Harvard College Uncompromising Activist: Richard Greener First Black Graduate Of Harvard College (The Johns Hopkins University Studies In Historical And Political Science 132)

Uncompromising Activist: Richard Greener, First Black Graduate of Harvard College (The Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science Book 132)

by Paul Moore

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Life and Education

Richard Theodore Greener was born on January 30, 1844, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to free black parents. His father, Richard Sr., was a barber and his mother, Mary, was a seamstress. Greener attended integrated schools in Cambridge and excelled academically. In 1865, he became the first black student admitted to Harvard College.

At Harvard, Greener faced both support and prejudice. He was initially denied a room in the college dormitories and had to lodge with a local black family. However, he found support from some faculty members, including his mentor, Charles William Eliot. Greener graduated in 1870 with honors, becoming the first black graduate of Harvard College.

Education and Civil Rights Activism

After graduating from Harvard, Greener taught at the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia and later became principal of the Avery Institute in Charleston, South Carolina. He also became actively involved in the civil rights movement. In 1873, he helped found the Civil Rights League, which fought for equal rights for African Americans.

Greener's work in education and civil rights brought him national recognition. In 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed him as a special agent to investigate the conditions of freedmen in the South. Greener's report, published in 1876, documented widespread discrimination and violence against African Americans.

Diplomatic Career

In 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed Greener as consul to Nagasaki, Japan. Greener was the first African American to serve as a U.S. diplomat. He served in Nagasaki for three years and developed a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. After his diplomatic service, Greener returned to the United States and continued to work in education and civil rights.

Later Life and Legacy

Greener spent the rest of his life working for the advancement of African Americans. He founded the Greener Literary Society, which promoted literary and intellectual development among black people. He also worked as a journalist, author, and lecturer. Greener died on May 2, 1922, at the age of 78.

Richard Greener was a pioneer who broke down barriers and made significant contributions to education, civil rights, and diplomacy. His legacy continues to inspire generations of African Americans and all those who strive for equality and justice.

Additional Resources

* [The Life and Writings of Richard Theodore Greener](https://books.google.com/books?id=3yPuAAAAIAAJ) by Wilson Jeremiah Moses * [Richard Greener: A Life in Service](https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?=9780674039970) by Gordon Marshall * [The Education of Richard Greener](https://www.jstor.org/stable/25076229) by James Borchert

Uncompromising Activist: Richard Greener, First Black Graduate of Harvard College (The Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science Book 132)

by Paul Moore

4.7 out of 5