Pauline Young was a native of Massachusetts and a longtime resident of Delaware, who followed in the footsteps of her mother and aunt, the famed poetess and writer, Alice Dunbar-Nelson. Ms. Young graduated from Columbia University and became founder and librarian of Howard High School, where she taught English. Her collection on the Afro-American Experience in Delaware is among the most extensive of its kind. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Mary Ann Shad
Delaware-born Mary Ann Schadd, after attending Quaker-based schools in West Chester Pennsylvania, became an instructor for black youth in Wilmington. An eloquent writer and outspoken speaker in the mid-1800s, she devoted herself to improving education. Mary Ann Schadd also was a lawyer and a journalist, becoming the first woman in North America to edit a weekly newspaper. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Louis Redding
The first African-American admitted to the Delaware bar, Louis L. Redding fought for equality in education on several fronts. His legal efforts led to black students gaining admission to the University of Delaware. In the 1950s, Redding argued for the admission of black students into schools in Claymont and Wilmington, and led Delaware’s case in the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision that paved the way for desegregation in Delaware schools. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Judy Johnson
Judy Johnson is Delaware’s folk hero of the diamond, and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. His playing career began in 1922 for Hilldale of Upper Darby. Johnson also spent time with the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords of the old Negro League, and joined the hallowed Hall in Cooperstown in 1975. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Herman Holloway Sr.
Herman Holloway Senior is known as the Dean of Delaware’s black politicians. He was elected to serve out an unexpired term in the State House in 1963, then became the first Black person elected to the State Senate. Among his legislative accomplishments were the Public Accommodation Act and the Open Housing Act. There’s no question that Holloway’s pioneer efforts increase Black participation in the political mainstream. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Clifford Brown
Known for his talent and innovation, Jazz trumpet player Clifford Brown, born in Wilmington, was still on the rise when his career was cut short by a fatal car accident in 1956. Clifford Brown played with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and other well known jazz musicians. Each June, Wilmington salutes his legacy with the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Bishop Allen
Richard Allen was born a slave in Philadelphia, but spent his formative years on a farm near Dover. By 1777 Allen had purchased his freedom from his master. He was founder and Bishop of the AME church in the early 1800s, and distinguished himself as president of the first National Convention of Negro Delegates in 1830. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Henrietta Johnson 40 years ago, Henrietta Johnson made history in Delaware. She became the first African-American woman to win election to the state House of Representatives. She was also a nurse, and a volunteer worker with the YMCA and the Layton Home for the Aged. A community center and medical facility named for Henrietta Johnson has been operating in Wilmington since 1970. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO Pete Spencer Peter Spencer is heralded as the father of Delaware’s Independent Black Church Movement. He was born a slave in 1779. In 1813, rejecting white clerical domination, Father Spencer established the first independent black church denomination, now known as the African Union Methodist Protestant Church. His contributions are celebrated annually in Wilmington during “August Quarterly.” CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Thomas Postles
Wilmington laborer and small businessman Thomas Postles, was a pioneer for future black politicians. 35 years after the 15th amendment guaranteed the right to vote, Postles ran as a Republican, and won a seat on Wilmington City Council in 1905. Just a year later, Postles and others in the black community in Wilmington organized a huge rally against the Jim Crow political policies of that era. CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
