Who is Wendell Dabney?
Wendell Phillips Dabney was born in Virginia in 1865. He is the son of former slaves. Unlike most former slaves who continued to work on the plantations, Dabney's father had the training and the reputation as a cook and bartender. He opened his own catering business after the Civil War and earned a higher standard of living for his family.
A young Wendell Dabney, worked for his father during the summers, but loved to read every chance he got. After high school, he attended Oberlin College where he was one of only 15 African American students. He left after just one year to help support his family. For a few years, he worked as a waiter and then a teacher before moving to Boston to start a music studio.
In 1894, Dabney came to Cincinnati to help deal with a family property issue. He was only going to stay for a few months, however, he met Nellie Foster Jackson, whom he married in 1897.
Dabney and his new family decided to settle in Cincinnati, where he began teaching music and eventually became involved in politics. Dabney served as the first African American city paymaster and was the first president of the local chapter of the NAACP.
Dabney's journey in journalism took off when he joined the editorial team at a local newspaper to help spread the truth of African American issues. As an editor, he wasn't content with merely scratching the surface; he delved deep into issues, seeking to understand their nuances and implications. His commitment to thorough research and balanced reporting soon earned him the respect of his peers and the trust of his readers.
Dabney's impact extended beyond the printed page. His dedication to accuracy and unbiased reporting inspired a new generation of journalists.
