Harry S. Cummings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry S. Cummings
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| Born | May 1866  |
| Died | September 7, 1917 |
Harry Sythe Cummings (born May 19, 1866 – died September 7, 1917) was an important leader. He was a lawyer and the first African American to be a City Councilman in Baltimore City.
Harry was born in 1866 to Henry and Eliza Cummings. He was one of eight children. Because there were not many good schools for Black students in Baltimore at the time, Harry went to Lincoln University. There, he earned his bachelor's degree. Later, he studied law at the University of Maryland School of Law. He was one of the first African Americans to graduate from this law program in 1889.
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Harry Cummings: A Pioneer in Baltimore
Harry S. Cummings achieved many great things during his life. He worked hard to help his community.
Early Career and Education Efforts
After becoming a lawyer, Harry Cummings founded the first training school for Black youth in Baltimore. It was called the Colored Polytechnic Institute. This school helped young people learn important skills for jobs.
His work was not just in Baltimore. In 1904, Cummings gave a speech at the Republican National Convention. He supported Theodore Roosevelt for president. This showed his influence on a national level.
First African American City Councilman
In 1890, Harry S. Cummings made history. He was elected as the first Black Baltimore City Councilman for the 17th ward. He won by a large number of votes. For example, in 1907, he defeated Louis Davenport 288 votes to 50.
While in office, he worked hard for the people in his ward. He helped a student named Harry S. Pratt get a scholarship to the Maryland Institute. He also pushed for a new school building in his district. This new school would help with overcrowding at the high school on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Even when he wasn't a councilman for a short time, he continued to serve. He was recommended to be on the board of directors for the Colored House of Reformation. This showed his dedication to helping his community.
A Family of Achievers
Harry S. Cummings was not the only person in his family to break barriers. His siblings also made important accomplishments. His brother, Aaron Cummings, became the first Black United States Postal Service worker in Baltimore City. His sister, Ida Cummings, became one of the first Black kindergarten teachers in Baltimore.
Outside of his public work, Harry was also a husband and father. He married Blanche Teresa Conklin. They had two children: Harry Sythe Cummings Jr. and Louise Virginia Cummings Dorcas. Harry Cummings served as a councilman until his death in 1917.
