John Mercer Langston, born free in 1829, was a trailblazing African American abolitionist, attorney, and politician. He became the first Black man to hold elective office in the United States when elected to the town council of Oberlin, Ohio, in 1855. Langston later served as a diplomat, advocating for civil rights internationally. He played a pivotal role in founding Howard University Law School, where he became dean, and was instrumental in establishing the Freedmen’s Bureau in Virginia. Langston’s legacy embodies tireless advocacy for equality, education, and justice, paving the way for future generations of African American leaders.



John Mercer Langston’s legacy of educational empowerment continued with the establishment of John M. Langston High School. This institution, named in his honor, served as a beacon of African American education in Danville, Virginia. Langston’s vision and advocacy for quality education for all were instrumental in the creation of this school, which provided opportunities for countless students to excel academically and pursue their dreams. His commitment to education ensured that his name would forever be associated with the advancement of learning and the empowerment of future generations.