The educational system segregated them because of the era they found themselves. But, with perseverance and determination, they excelled to become doyens in their academic pursuits.
Their knowledge triggered a paradigm shift in the health, education, religious and art space among others. Some championed social justice and led slave revolts to weaken the racial and structural barriers that worked against the progress of people of African origin. Get to know the 18 African Americans who were graduates before the abolishment of slavery:
