Historical Marker Honoring George B. Vashon Unveiled in Downtown Pittsburgh

The city unveiled on Friday, June 26th a historical marker dedicated to George B. Vashon, a 19th-century abolitionist, educator, lawyer and writer. Jim Cunningham attended the ceremony, and spoke with Paul N.D. Thornell, great-grandson of George B. Vashon, and A.G. Miller, a retired professor at Oberlin College, from which Vashon. was the first Black graduate. The ceremony took place at the site of the Vashon family's historical home and business, which also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Thornell talks with pride about the accomplishments and contributions of George B. Vashon and his father, John B. Vashon, who was a veteran of the War of 1812. He also discusses working with Mayor O'Connor and the city's Department of Public Works to unveil this marker. A.G. Miller, who taught American and African American religious history at Oberlin for 27 years, represented the college at the ceremony. Professor Miller talks about George B. Vashon's time at Oberlin, where he began his education at just 15 years old.  In 1835, Oberlin began to "admit [students] without regard for color," including John Mercer Langston, who was mentored by George B. Vashon. The historical marker honoring George B. Vashon is located near the intersection of Third Avenue and Market Street at PPG Place in Downtown Pittsburgh. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.