There are many pioneers in African American History. These people ignored written and unwritten norms and laws: whites-only signs, sundown laws, and death threats. Many died trying to pursue fundamental freedoms and equality in a society that created boundaries in housing, industry, education, and other advancements in life.

These people who crossed red lines and were the first Black Americans to brave a new and unknown frontier were courageous and unstoppable. They had the stuff and spirit of great men and women. Their claim to fame was, I can and I will when they encountered the NOs of closed doors, stay-in-your place, and you are inferior fights and frights.

One prevailing thought and norm was to keep slaves ignorant. Reading and other educational aspirations that created self-identity and worth were forbidden. In many cases, the penalty for them learning to read was death. The opposition to educating enslaved blacks in America was fierce because they deemed slaves to be only as valuable as the soil they tilled and the crops they harvested. They were no more to their masters than property and beasts of burdens. Whether in Africa or America, slaves knew the laws of nature for men, women, children, spirits, and freedom. But they would fight against America’s laws, religion, and traditions designed to deny their freedom and humanity.

Educating blacks was a resounding NO GO even up to the Reconstruction Era. Enslavers and supporters realized if the slaves knew about their God-given human rights, they would not only expect more but demand and fight for more. And they did with the help of God, abolitionists, and others.

The first African American who graduated from college did so in 1823 before the Civil War and the end of slavery. He was the son of Ichabod Twilight, a Revolutionary War veteran who was given his freedom. Ichabod’s father was black and his mother white.

Alexander Lucius Twilight, born in Corinth, Vermont, in 1795, graduated from Middlebury College with a Bachelor’s degree. Born to free parents, Alexander’s path into history was unlike most blacks who were born slaves during that time. Of course, a free black man had advantages that an enslaved one didn’t. Regardless, one black man’s success meant others could achieve the same or better. When there are none, you must start with one.

An uneducated person can survive but will find it difficult or impossible to progress and become the best one can be. The Negro College Fund’s slogan, ‘A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste,’ will always have relevance, regardless of ethnicity and time.

The desire and hunger to learn and improve things socially, economically, and technologically for themselves, others, and the world have been a force in the African American visionary.

After graduating from college, Twilight became a teacher in Peru ad New York and later became a school principal. Serving as the Orleans County Grammar School principal, Twilight designed and constructed Athenian Hall, the first granite public building in Vermont.

But there are many unsung African Americans in our communities, towns, and cities. They, too, were the first black city councilor, sales clerk, manager—you name it. Their names didn’t make Wikipedia, but perhaps it made the local newspaper or an organizational announcement.

History never stops when we strive to make America and the world a better place to live.

Stay safe.