Augusta Honors John Wesley Gilbert: A Pioneer in Education

News Summary

Augusta, Georgia, recently honored John Wesley Gilbert, the first Black archaeologist, by unveiling a historical marker celebrating his incredible contributions to education and archaeology. Born into slavery, Gilbert became a groundbreaking academic leader, first at Paine College and later at Brown University, where he broke racial barriers. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in education and community service, further solidified by the newly erected marker which pays tribute to his remarkable life and achievements.

Augusta Celebrates John Wesley Gilbert: A Pioneer in Many Ways

In a heartfelt ceremony filled with pride and admiration, Augusta, Georgia recently unveiled a new historical marker dedicated to the remarkable life of John Wesley Gilbert, a man who broke barriers as the first Black archaeologist and made significant contributions to education at Paine College. Born into the shadows of slavery in 1863, Gilbert’s journey toward freedom and discovery is nothing short of inspiring.

A Pathway to Freedom

John Wesley Gilbert was born to enslaved parents in Hephzibah, Georgia. Liberty came when he was only two years old, following the end of the Civil War. Growing up in a challenging world, Gilbert balanced farm work with a strong desire for education. This relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to teachers who helped shape his future, including the prominent educator Lucy Laney.

A New Beginning at Paine College

At just 21, Gilbert stumbled upon the newly established Paine Institute. This interracial school for Black and white Methodists in Augusta became the springboard for his educational ambitions. Encouraged by Warren Candler, the pastor of St. John United Methodist Church, Gilbert chose to step into the world of teaching rather than following a path in medicine.

As the very first student of the Paine Institute, which now proudly holds the title of Paine College, Gilbert quickly demonstrated his academic prowess. He later transferred to Brown University in Rhode Island during his junior year, becoming one of the first ten African American students in the institution’s history.

An Academic Trailblazer

At Brown, Gilbert shone brightly in subjects like Latin, Greek, and classical studies. His passion for learning was rewarded in 1890 when he won a scholarship to the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece – a milestone making him the first African American to study there. Gilbert earned a Master of Arts degree from Brown, becoming the first African American to receive an advanced degree from the university, solidifying his status as an academic trailblazer.

Defying the Odds

Returning to Augusta, Gilbert faced opposition when he became the first Black faculty member at Paine College in 1891. Despite protests and the resignation of some faculty members who could not accept his appointment, Gilbert continued on his path, dedicated to uplifting the Black community and fostering education.

A Legacy of Leadership

Throughout his life, Gilbert was more than just a professor; he was a mentor, a community leader, and a signatory of the charter for Augusta’s NAACP. He emphasized the importance of community support, especially during the turbulent times of the Jim Crow era. His commitment to his community extended beyond education—he participated in a missionary trip to the Belgian Congo in 1911, where he contributed significantly to translating biblical texts and establishing lasting connections with local communities.

Honoring His Contributions

Gilbert’s profound impact on archaeology cannot be overlooked. His work in excavating the ancient city of Eretria in Greece proved to be groundbreaking. He mastered an impressive array of languages, including French, German, classical and modern Greek, Latin, and even several African languages. His life story has been brought to light in the 2021 book “The First Black Archaeologist: A Life of John Wesley Gilbert” by Dr. John W. I. Lee, shedding light on the rich tapestry of his accomplishments.

Celebration of Legacy

After his passing in 1923, the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel was erected at Paine College in 1968 to honor both Gilbert and Bishop Walter Russell Lambuth, who played vital roles in education and community engagement. The recent unveiling of the state historical marker in front of the chapel serves as a testament to Gilbert’s enduring legacy. Local officials, academic leaders, and enthusiastic students gathered to celebrate a life dedicated to education, community, and the pursuit of knowledge.

As Augusta commemorates the incredible achievements of John Wesley Gilbert, his story inspires a new generation to dream big and break barriers in the fields of education, archaeology, and beyond.

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Additional Resources

• Augusta Chronicle: Paine honors Augusta roots
• Wikipedia: John Wesley Gilbert
• The Augusta Press: The Book Tavern welcomes historian
• Encyclopedia Britannica: John Wesley Gilbert
• Ghana Web: The intriguing story of John Wesley Gilbert