Wilberforce in Greene County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lt. Charles Young at Wilberforce University
At the time of his death in 1922, Colonel Charles Young was the highest ranking African American officer in the United States Army. In 1894, almost five years after graduating West Point, then thirty year-old 2nd Lt. Young was appointed professor of Military Science and Tactics at Wilberforce University. Young organized the military science department and established the university’s marching band. He also taught other courses, including French, chemistry, and geology. Young was promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1896.
When Young left Wilberforce in 1898, its cadet corps comprised 113 members, 14 of which later joined his new command of the Ninth Ohio Battalion. He motivated students to rise to the “Talented Tenth” of African American leaders, so called by Young’s colleague and friend W.E.B. Du Bois. Among many accomplishments, Young was elected the second honorary member of Omega Psi Phi in 1912 and awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1916, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s highest honor.
Erected 2013 by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity-Upsilon Chapter-The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 26-29.)
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Military. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 39° 42.5′ N, 83° 52.683′ W. Marker is in Wilberforce, Ohio, in Greene County. Memorial is on North Bickett Road south of U.S. 42, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilberforce OH 45384, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wilberforce University / Distinguished Wilberforceans (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Galloway Hall (approx. 0.4 miles away); Brigadier General Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr. (approx. half a mile away); Hallie Quinn Brown (approx. half a mile away); Central State University (approx. half a mile away); Paul Robeson (approx. half a mile away); Albert Baker Football Practice Field (approx. 0.6 miles away); Martin Robison Delany (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilberforce.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,036 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.