If you haven’t noticed already Black Pittsburghers have always been on the forefront. Continually making strides and being the first in many fields. Let me introduce you to Martin Delany. He is what one would call a jack of all trades. In his life he branched out in to many fields of work and advocacy. Martin Delany was one of the first Blacks to be accepted into Harvard Medical School. He was an abolitionist and the first to promote Black Nationalism. In February 1865 he became the first Black field grade officer in the United States Army.
His Pittsburgh legacy runs deep. In 1843 he married Catherine Richards, daughter of Charles Richards who was an original founder of Allegheny county. (I posted about that. Read it!) He worked the Underground Railroad and published an abolitionist newspaper for 4 years here in Pittsburgh called The Mystery.
Martin Delany’s contributions to Black History and Pittsburgh are no small feat. So next time you are strolling through PPG Place stop at his marker and reflect on how this one man helped mold the future for you.
