Black History Fact: Educated at Hopkins Grammar School, Edward Alexander Bouchet was born in 1852 and graduated valedictorian in 1870. The following year he enrolled at Yale. He graduated in 1874. Two years later, Bouchet became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in the US. He taught physics for over 25 years at Philadelphia's School for Colored Youth. He died in 1918. Bouchet, the fourth child, attended New Haven High School from 1866 to 1868. He went on to Hopkins Grammar School, where he studied math, history, Latin, and Greek. In 1870, Bouchet graduated from Hopkins as class valedictorian. It was a remarkable achievement given the lack of opportunities for African Americans seeking higher education at the time that Bouchet enrolled at Yale College (later renamed Yale University). After earning his bachelor's degree in 1874, Bouchet returned to Yale for two more years to earn his Ph.D. in physics, becoming the first African American to do so. Bouchet joined a select group of academics who had earned the same degree in the country's history. Despite his impressive achievements, Bouchet was denied a college professorship due to his race. The Philadelphia School for Colored Youth. Bouchet taught chemistry and physics for over 25 years at one of the few African American universities. In 1902, the school shifted its focus to vocational training. Bouchet left his job due to health issues and returned to New Haven. He died in 1918. Since his death, Bouchet has been honored. In 1998, Yale University named the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society after him. Yale also honors academics who promote academic diversity with the Bouchet Leadership Award. A QUESTION TO ANYONE... Parents, are you familiar with AP courses? These are advanced placement courses that our young scholars can take when they are in high school. These courses will allow them to earn college credits if they pass their exams. This is an option given to all students. Please look into this for your child and share it with other parents. Please like, comment, and share. Sharing is caring😊 #365DaysOfBlackHistory #BlackHistoryFacts #EdwardBouchet #BlackScholar #Valedictorian #PhD (at Rise Up Financial Freedom Solutions LLC) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR6TJFSB6co/?utm_medium=tumblr
