Charles L. Reason facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Lewis Reason
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Reason in 1854
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| Born | July 21, 1818 |
| Died | August 16, 1893 (aged 75) |
| Nationality | American |
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Charles Lewis Reason (born July 21, 1818 – died August 16, 1893) was an amazing American mathematician, linguist, and educator. He made history as the very first black college professor in the United States. He taught at New York Central College, McGrawville.
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Early Life and Learning
Charles Lewis Reason was born on July 21, 1818, in New York City. His parents, Michel and Elizabeth Reason, were free people of color. They came to America as refugees in 1793. This was shortly after the start of the Haitian Revolution. Charles had two younger brothers, Elwer W. and Patrick H. Reason, who also became important leaders.
A Young Math Whiz
Charles and his brothers went to the African Free School in New York. Famous people like Henry Highland Garnet and Ira Aldridge were also their classmates. Charles was a child prodigy in mathematics. This means he was super talented at math from a very young age. He started teaching math at the school when he was only fourteen!
In 1835, he attended the Noyes Academy in Canaan, New Hampshire. Later, in 1849, he became a professor at New York Central College. This college was special because it welcomed students of all races. It was founded by the American Baptist Free Mission Society.
People described Charles as very smart and well-educated. They also said he was a "courtly gentleman."
Making a Difference: Charles Reason's Career
Charles Reason's first teaching job was in the 1830s. He taught at a Quaker school in Laurens Street.
Fighting for Freedom
Besides teaching, Charles worked hard to change unfair laws. He helped New York state get rid of a "sojourner law." This law allowed slaveholders from other states to bring their slaves into New York. Charles's efforts helped ensure that Black people accused of being runaway slaves could have a jury trial. This was a big step towards fairness.
In 1847, Charles Reason and Charles Bennett Ray started a group. It was called the Society for the Promotion of Education among Colored Children. This group worked to help Black children get a good education.
First Black College Professor
Two years later, in 1849, Charles made history. He became a professor at New York Central College, McGrawville. He taught many subjects, including belles-lettres (which means beautiful writing), Greek, Latin, and French. He was also an adjunct professor of mathematics.
New York Central College was the first college in the US to be integrated from the very beginning. They hired Charles because he was the most qualified person. This made him the first Black professor in the United States. He was also the first Black teacher to have white students. A newspaper called him "an accomplished and attractive man" and "a fine and ripe scholar." He was very popular with students and people in the town.
Leading a School in Philadelphia
In 1852, Charles left New York Central College. He became the principal of the Quaker Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia. This school later became Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. He stayed there until 1856.
During his time as principal, Charles made a huge impact. The number of students grew from just six to 118! He focused on math and science, but also added other subjects like languages. He set high standards for students. Even though exams were tough, parents were eager to send their children to his school.
Return to New York and Public Service
After his time in Philadelphia, Charles Reason returned to New York City. For many years, he worked in public education. He was a teacher, an administrator, and a reformer. He was the principal of Colored Grammar School No. 3 and later Colored School No. 6.
During this time, he played a key role in trying to end slavery and segregation. He attended the Colored Labor Convention in 1870. He also successfully pushed for a law in 1873 to integrate New York's public schools. This meant that schools would no longer be separated by race.
Charles was very active in his community. He was involved in many political groups. In the 1884 presidential election, he was a candidate for the Electoral College. This was an important political position.
A Man of Faith and Words
Charles Reason was also a devoted Catholic. He went to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Manhattan. He even wrote to Cardinal Herbert Vaughan about the challenges faced by African-American Catholics.
He owned a brownstone house in New York City. It was filled with many books. People described him as "a remarkably well-read man" who spoke several languages.
Charles was also a poet. He wrote for a newspaper called the Colored American in the 1830s. He also wrote a poem called "Freedom." This poem celebrated Thomas Clarkson, a British person who worked to end slavery.
Later Life and Family
Not much is known about Charles Reason's personal life. He was married three times. His last wife was Clorice (Duplessis) Esteve. They married in New York City in 1855. They did not have any children together.
Charles had two strokes, one in 1885 and another in 1890. These strokes made it hard for him to walk. He had to use a carriage to go to work. He continued working until he retired, just five months before he passed away. Charles Lewis Reason died in his home in New York City in 1893.
