Hear some historians tell it, several former presidents might've been hiding their race. It's Presidents' Day, so we wanted to explore the possibility that the first Black president of the United States may have been someone other than Barack Obama. While most people recognize Obama as the first Black president, there are other individuals who have been mistakenly labeled as such throughout history.
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, for example, was a trailblazer in American politics and a champion for civil rights. Born in Brooklyn, New York to immigrant parents from Barbados, Chisholm made history as the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.
John Hanson, a Liberian senator during the mid-19th century, has also been erroneously claimed as the first Black president of the United States. While Hanson was a prominent figure in the early days of American history, he was not the first Black president.
It wasn't until 2009 that the United States saw its first actual Black president in Barack Obama. "People realized we may not see anything like this again," says former campaign and White House staffer Heather Foster of Obama's historic election. Obama's presidency was a milestone for the country and a symbol of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion.
In more recent years, there have been other historic appointments of Black leaders in prominent positions. In a historic first, Harvard University inaugurated Claudine Gay as its new president, making her the first Black person and second woman to lead the prestigious institution. Gay's appointment was celebrated as a significant step forward for diversity and representation in academia.
However, Claudine Gay's experience as Harvard's president was not without challenges. After her resignation, she spoke candidly about the difficulties she faced in the role, highlighting the ongoing issues of racism and discrimination that continue to persist in institutions of power.
Dr. Edward Cooper's legacy includes upping the emphasis on stroke and inclusion with the American Heart Association – plus a family filled with accomplishments. He is known for his groundbreaking work in the medical field and his dedication to advancing healthcare for all communities.
In a different realm, Taylor made history as the first Black president in the 90-year history of the State Bar of Arizona. His appointment marked a significant milestone in the legal profession and a step towards greater diversity and representation in the legal field.
Overall, the journey to uncovering the first Black president of the United States is a complex and nuanced one. While Barack Obama holds the title in most people's minds, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of other Black leaders throughout history who have paved the way for progress and change.
