Anytime someone can lay claim to being the first Black person to hold a position of note, their legacy should be remembered and celebrated, for what they often had to endure to get to that point.
Oscar James Dunn, the first Black Lieutenant Governor in this country. Dunn’s political career started as an activist, challenging white politicians over civil rights, and driving a strong civic force to promote education and youth initiatives for emancipated Blacks.
Dunn’s public favor started to grow, but he would never have the chance to use it, as he fell mysteriously ill after a dinner party and died two days later. $10,000 was initially dedicated to a monument honoring him after his death, but it never came to pass.
Source: The U.S.’s First Black Lieutenant Governor And Why You Don’t Know Him
