In honor of Black History Month, we want to share a little bit of the story of Oberlin’s first Black graduate, George B. Vashon. A pioneer in civil rights and higher education, Vashon graduated in 1844. During his time at Oberlin, he distinguished himself in his studies and organizing and was called "one of the best minds in the class” by abolitionist James A. Thome. He formed the “Committee in behalf of Colored Students,” which was likely the first college organization for African Americans in U.S. history. This fact speaks to the strength of the Black organizing at Oberlin and foregrounds the role that Black abolitionists would play in later years, exemplified in such events including the Oberlin Wellington Rescue. After his graduation, he became the first Black lawyer in the state of New York. Soon after, he moved to Haiti where he taught ancient languages at various local schools in Port-au-Prince, amongst other endeavors. Upon arriving back in America, George settled in Syracuse...