Black History
Unearthing History: The Remarkable Journey of John Wesley Gilbert
John Wesley Gilbert, a trailblazing figure, broke barriers as an educator, missionary, and the first African American archaeologist. Notably, he was the inaugural graduate of Paine College and the first African American to earn a master’s degree from Brown University.

By Tamara Shiloh
John Wesley Gilbert, a trailblazing figure, broke barriers as an educator, missionary, and the first African American archaeologist. Notably, he was the inaugural graduate of Paine College and the first African American to earn a master’s degree from Brown University.
Born free on July 6, 1863, in Hephzibah, Georgia, to Gabriel and Sarah, who were formerly enslaved farm hands, Gilbert’s early life revolved around education and hard work. After attending local public schools while laboring on a farm, he enrolled at Augusta Institute in 1878, where he later embarked on a teaching career at Ware High School in Richmond, Georgia.
Gilbert’s craving for knowledge led him to become the first student at the newly established Paine College in Augusta, where he studied Greek and other foreign languages from 1884 to 1886. His academic journey then took him to Brown University in Rhode Island, where he stood among the first 10 Black students and earned his A.B. degree in 1888.
In 1888, he began dating Osceola K. Pleasant, a teacher and Paine College and Fisk University graduate. The couple married in 1889 and raised four children together. During his time at Brown University, Gilbert received a scholarship to attend the American School of Classics in Athens, Greece, becoming the first African American to participate in archaeological fieldwork.
His excavations led to the discovery of the ancient Greek city of Eretria, and he crafted the first map of the area. Returning to Brown in 1891, Gilbert focused on archaeology and made history again, becoming the first African American to earn an advanced degree from the university — a master’s in Archaeology in 1891.
After his academic pursuits, Gilbert brought his wealth of knowledge back to Paine College in the fall of 1891. Now a professor, he taught Greek, Latin, English, French, German, and Hebrew, becoming the first African American instructor at the institution.
Gilbert’s dedication extended to theological studies at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta in 1896, where he received his Doctorate of Divinity degree and became a Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) minister. His scholarly contributions earned him a prestigious position within the American Philological Association in 1897.
Dr. Gilbert accepted the position of president at Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama, in 1913. His passion for education remained unyielding, leading him back to Paine College, where he taught Greek, Hebrew, and New Testament literature. Concurrently, he served as the Dean of the Divinity School until his retirement in 1920.
On Nov. 18, 1923, the world mourned the loss of John Wesley Gilbert, a true pioneer and visionary, in Augusta, Georgia. In honor of his legacy, a low-income housing project was named after him in 1941, and in 1968, Paine College dedicated a Chapel to commemorate both Gilbert and Rev. Walter R. Lambuth.
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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care
One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners
Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”
That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.
That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.
One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.
Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.
The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.
These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.
I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.
About the Author
Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.
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