February is Black History Month and Jazzy 88.9 WCSU is paying tribute to African-Americans who made a difference in the Miami Valley. Today we salute Dr. Charles H. Wesley, President of Wilberforce University from 1942 to 1947 and founding President of Central State University.
Dr. Wesley wore many hats throughout his illustrious career including becoming an ordained Minister of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He also had an academic career as professor of history and wrote over 15 books on African-American history and political science including "Negro Labor In The United States (1850 to 1925), "Richard Allen, Apostle Of Freedom", and "Collapse Of The Confederacy". In 1925, Dr. Charles H. Wesley became the fourth African-American to receive a PhD from Harvard University.
After serving 18 years as President at Central State University, Wesley became the Director Of Research and Publications for the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1965. In 1976, He became Director of the African-American Historical And Cultural Museum in Philadelphia and is also a life member of the American Historical Association. Dr. Charles H. Wesley was active in many fraternal organizations, both during and after college. He was elected as the 14th and five-term General President, and later National Historian for seven decades, of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by and for African Americans.
Dr Wesley also wrote "Alpha Phi Alpha" in 1929, updating it in many new editions. Dr Charles Wesley was the recipient of numerous awards including the Guggenheim Fellowship, Phi Beta Kappa Key, the Scottish Rite Gold Medal Award and numerous honorary Doctorates from numerous universities.
This Black History tribute is brought you by your Miami Valley Jazz authority, Jazzy 88.9 WCSU.
