William J. Simmons: THE genius ENslaveD MAN who became a college president!

Today Sweet Blackberry would like to highlight a little-known historical person, that is absolutely extraordinary. Rev. Dr. William Simmons (1849-1890) was a formerly enslaved African who overcame great odds and was a part of the freedom struggle. Simmons, despite being born into enslavement, received a formal education and went on to do more in four decades than most people do in a lifetime. Simmons’ life defies the popular narrative of the helpless enslaved person, who was powerless against the enslavers’ oppression. Eventually settling in Kentucky, he accomplished a lot in his short life, he escaped slavery, went on to serve in the US military, became a minister, an educator, dentist, author, activist, and even a college president!

To read more about Dr. Simmons click on the article below:
William J. Simmons: A Formerly Enslaved Man Who Became a Dentist, Writer, US Soldier, Educator, Minister and College President