Dr. Lorenzo Johnston Greene (1899-1988) was a prominent African-American historian and professor. He was born on November 16, 1899, in Anson County, North Carolina, United States. Greene completed his undergraduate studies at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. He later earned his Ph.D. in history from Columbia University in 1934, becoming one of the few African Americans to hold a doctorate in history at that time.
Throughout his career, Dr. Greene made significant contributions to the field of African-American history. He focused on documenting and highlighting the experiences and achievements of Black people in American history, challenging prevailing narratives that often overlooked or marginalized African-American contributions. Dr. Greene taught at various institutions, including Howard University, where he served as the head of the history department from 1939 to 1968. He also held positions at Lincoln University, Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), and Brooklyn College. He was a highly respected educator, known for his dedication to teaching and mentoring students.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Lorenzo Johnston Greene was an author. He wrote several influential books, including “The Negro in Colonial New England, 1620-1776” (1942) and “The Negro in the Civil War” (1965). These works shed light on the experiences of African Americans during different periods of American history. Dr. Greene’s scholarship and advocacy for African-American history were instrumental in shaping the field and increasing awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals throughout American history. He received numerous honors during his lifetime, including the Carter G. Woodson Award from the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History.
Dr. Lorenzo Johnston Greene passed away on April 25, 1988, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering historian and educator in the field of African-American history. His work continues to inspire and inform scholars and students interested in understanding the rich and complex history of Black Americans.