“B” is for Brawley, Edward McKnight (1851-1923)

“B” is for Brawley, Edward McKnight (1851-1923). Missionary, educator. Brawley was born in Charleston to free African American parents. In 1861 his parents sent him to Philadelphia to further his education. In 1870 he became the first full time theology student at Howard University in Washington, DC. He later transferred to Bucknell University and became that institution's first African American student. The American Baptist Publication Society hired Brawley to perform missionary service among black South Carolinians. In 1876 he organized the Colored Baptist Educational, Missionary, and Sunday School Convention. He went on to organize numerous local Sunday school programs throughout the state. In October 1883 Brawley accepted the presidency of the Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School. Returning to South Carolina Edward McKnight Brawley was instrumental in founding Morris College in 1908 and served as its first president.