Black History Month STYLIN': John Mercer Langston
John Mercer Langston - Politician, Educator, Activist
Born: December 14th, 1829
Died: November 15th, 1897
John Mercer Langston accomplished a lot for a Black man born in the 1800's. Langston became the first Black lawyer in Ohio after passing the bar in 1854. Then in 1855, he became the first Black person ever elected to public office in the United States.
Other Langston Facts
- John Mercer Langston was born in Louisa County, Virginia.
- In 1864, Langston became the leader of National Equal Rights.
- He was also the great-uncle of poet and fellow activist Langston Hughes.
