Benjamin Griffith Brawley, born in 1882 in Columbia, South Carolina, was a distinguished college professor, author, and the first dean of Morehouse College. His contributions to the field of education and his impact on the intellectual development of African Americans in American society are significant and enduring.
Brawley was born into a middle-class family, the second son of Edward McKnight Brawley and Margaret Dickerson Brawley. His father, a clergyman who also taught at Benedict College, instilled in him a strong foundation of values and education. Despite the family’s frequent relocations during Brawley’s childhood, he received a solid academic grounding from his parents, whom he credited as his first teachers. At the age of 13, Brawley enrolled in the preparatory department of Atlanta Baptist College (later renamed Morehouse College), where he excelled in his studies, particularly in English. He also demonstrated leadership qualities as captain of the football team and co-founder of the journal, the Athenaeum. His academic prowess and commitment to education were evident from an early age.
After obtaining his baccalaureate degree from Morehouse College in 1901, Brawley began his teaching career at a rural school in Georgetown, Florida. His passion for education led him to pursue further studies, and he subsequently received a second baccalaureate degree from the University of Chicago in 1907, followed by a master’s degree from Harvard University the following year. Brawley’s academic journey led him back to Morehouse College, where he served as a professor and later as the institution’s first dean. His dedication to education and his scholarly achievements were recognized when he was appointed as a professor at Howard University in 1910. Throughout his career, Brawley’s commitment to academic excellence and his contributions to the intellectual development of his students was unwavering.
In 1912, Brawley married Hilda Damaris Prowd, marking a new chapter in his personal and professional life. That same year, he returned to Morehouse College as an English professor and assumed the role of dean, further solidifying his impact on the institution’s academic legacy. His tenure at Morehouse was characterized by his commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of intellectual growth.
Brawley’s influence extended beyond Morehouse College, as he later joined Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he continued to inspire and educate students until 1931. His return to Howard University that year was a testament to his enduring legacy as a respected professor, scholar, and poet. Brawley’s contributions to the field of education were further acknowledged when he was awarded the Harmon Foundation’s second-place prize for excellence in education in 1927, a recognition that reflected his unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Throughout his career, Brawley authored several influential books, including “A Short History of the American Negro” (1921), which provided valuable insights into the social and intellectual development of African Americans in American society. His writings, encompassing essays, book reviews, and articles of social commentary, shed light on the black experience in America and chronicled the challenges and triumphs of African Americans in a predominantly white society.
Brawley’s scholarly works were widely acclaimed and used as educational resources in colleges and universities across the country. His profound understanding of the social and intellectual dynamics of African American history and culture made his writings essential for students and scholars seeking to gain deeper insights into the complexities of race relations in America. Benjamin Griffith Brawley’s legacy as a scholar, educator, and dean continues to resonate within academic circles and beyond. His high standards and unwavering dedication to academic excellence set a benchmark for future generations of educators and scholars. His impact on Morehouse College, Howard University, and the broader landscape of African American education is indelible.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Brawley also served as a pastor at a church in Boston, Massachusetts, where he exemplified his commitment to punctuality and efficiency by conducting church services promptly and concluding them within a precise timeframe. His multifaceted contributions to academia, literature, and religious leadership reflect the breadth of his influence and the depth of his character. Tragically, Benjamin Griffith Brawley’s scholarly career was cut short when he succumbed to illness following a stroke on February 1, 1939, at the age of fifty-six. His untimely passing marked the end of an era for African American academia, leaving behind a void that resonated throughout the educational community.
Benjamin Griffith Brawley’s life and career stand as a testament to the transformative power of education and scholarship. His unwavering commitment to advancing the intellectual development of African Americans and his enduring legacy as a pioneering dean and educator continue to inspire future generations. As we reflect on his contributions, we honor the indelible mark he left on Morehouse College, Howard University, and the broader landscape of African American education.