‘Black Firsts’ program highlights African American pioneers

People might not know that Phillis Wheatley was the first African American author of a published book of poetry in 1773.

Or that Mary Fields was the first African American female mail carrier in 1895.

Retired Penn State professor Anthony Mitchell highlighted the work of these women and other African American pioneers during his presentation “Black Firsts,” held at the Monroeville Public Library. The all-ages discussion focused on trailblazers in various fields and showcased significant, albeit little-known, facts about their history.

“We’re excited to have Dr. Mitchell join us for events this February and March. His depth of knowledge has really helped to expand our offerings for Black History Month,” said Cory Little, head of adult programming for the library. “His knowledge and ability to present history accessibly makes the ‘Black Firsts’ program suitable for adults and children as well.”

According to Mitchell, his presentation originated when he taught undergraduate students and realized that there was a lack of knowledge in American, African American and European history.

“I realized that the students’ knowledge was limited across the board,” Mitchell said. It inspired him to shed light on the contributions of Black pioneers both in the United States and the world.

“I wanted to raise student awareness on African American inventors, who are often omitted in history, education, science and medicine.”

Mitchell said that his presentation, which he began teaching in the late 1990s, has evolved over the years, as “achievements and firsts in emerging fields in U.S. society and the world have increased.” His lecture primarily focused on the contributions of people of African descent in the U.S. over 400 years.

Some individuals featured during the program included:

• Carter G. Woodson, a historian, author and journalist. He received a doctoral degree in 1912 from Harvard University and is known as the father of Black History Month.

• Pittsburgh native Martin Delaney founded the Mystery Newspaper in 1843, the first newspaper west of the Allegheny Mountains. Delaney was an abolitionist, journalist, physician, writer and early Black Nationalist.

• Inventor and mathematician Benjamin Banneker, who produced the first scientific book, “The Almanac,” in 1795. Born to a free mother and enslaved father, Banneker is also known for building the first wooden clock.

Other significant African Americans that Mitchell mentioned included the inventor of the gas mask, Garrett Morgan; inventor of the ironing board, Sarah Boone; and Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman to earn a medical degree. Sarah Breedlove Walker, widely known as Madam C. J. Walker, was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist. She was the first female self-made millionaire in the U.S.

Mitchell is a professor emeritus at Penn State, where he worked for 37 years as an administrator and instructor. His tenure includes countless initiatives that have advanced education among traditionally under-represented groups. His academic research and studies include African, African Diaspora, U.S. educational history, parental involvement and African-centered rites-of-passage.

A Geneva College graduate, Mitchell earned a master’s degree in education from Penn State and a doctoral degree in administration and leadership studies from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Mitchell will return to the library next month at 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd., where he will present on notable African American female trailblazers. This discussion will be held March 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.; all ages are welcome.