Robert Munro, Author at

Independent Historian

Robert Munro is a Doctoral candidate in the African American and African Studies program at Michigan State University. His dissertation, "The Dynamic Character of the Early African American Philosopher: An Intellectual Biography of Gilbert Haven Jones" seeks to place Dr. Jones within a tradition of African American scholar/educators of the Jim Crow Era. Munro’s research is the first to analyze Dr. Jones’ dissertation, which was completed in Germany in 1909, thereby earning him the honor of becoming the first African American to complete a PhD from Germany. Munro is also currently working on completing articles dealing with African American studies and the future of the American Academy, as well as an edited translation of Dr. Jones dissertation Lotze und Bowne: Eine Vergleichung ihrer Philosophischen Arbeit.

Charles William Anderson (1866-1938)

One of Booker T. Washington’s closest confidants, Charles William Anderson’s personal and professional relationship with African America’s most prominent educational leader spanned more than 20 years and helped influence Anderson’s political views and determine his public offices. Anderson, a Republican, was known primarily for his … Read MoreCharles William Anderson (1866-1938)

George Warren Reed Jr. (1920-2015)

Although he was one of many scientists recruited for the Manhattan Project, which produced the atom bomb during World War II, there is a clear paucity of literature on George W. Reed Jr. Like his fellow scientists, Reed was not at liberty to discuss, with … Read MoreGeorge Warren Reed Jr. (1920-2015)

John Aubrey Davis Sr. (1912-2002)

Educator and civil rights advocate John A. Davis Sr. began his career in activism in the 1930s as leader of the New Negro Alliance, which pressured businesses to hire black employees. Two decades later he assisted with the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court … Read MoreJohn Aubrey Davis Sr. (1912-2002)

Gilbert Haven Jones (1881-1966)

In 1909 Gilbert Haven Jones became the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from a German university. After completing his doctoral studies in philosophy, Jones returned to the United States to take up teaching and administrative positions, primarily at Wilberforce University. Jones was also … Read MoreGilbert Haven Jones (1881-1966)