Pittsburgh is set to honor a notable figure in African American history and a local hero, George B. Vashon, on the 200th anniversary of his birth. The city is hosting a celebration tomorrow at the City-County Building to commemorate the life and contributions of Vashon, an early advocate for civil rights. According to a bulletin released by the City of Pittsburgh, Vashon was not only the first African American graduate of Oberlin College but also a respected lawyer, educator, and abolitionist whose work continues to reverberate today.
The event will include speeches from local historians and dignitaries to highlight Vashon's legacy. Attendees can learn more about his impact on civil rights through interactive exhibits. The gathering will also invite community members to share their reflections and stories about Vashon's work.
In an age where the histories of African American individuals have often been sidelined, this event represents a critical act of remembrance and celebration. This sentiment is echoed in the words of Vashon’s great, great grandson, Paul Thornell, who expressed his appreciation for Mayor Gainey and the city's efforts to bring deserved attention to his ancestor's pioneering work. "Our family is so proud to tell his story as he was one of the leading abolitionists, one of the first Black college graduates, first Black college professors, and first Black lawyers of his time," Thornell told the City of Pittsburgh in a recent interview.
The event, free and open to the public, invites anyone who resonates with or wishes to learn more about Vashon's remarkable journey and the historical impact of the Vashon family on Pittsburgh. For more details on the event, including time and location, visit the City of Pittsburgh's website at https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/PAPITT-3bb0d87.
