Robert L. Vann and the Pittsburgh Courier

Robert Lee Vann was born on August 27, 1879. He was born in Hertford county which is located in rural North Carolina. The community within Hertford county was predominantly Black Americans. Robert Vann was born into extreme poverty. Robert Vann’s early life was difficult especially because of the lack of a father figure in his life. It is uncertain who is father was, but it is thought to be Joseph Hall. Joseph Hall left Robert and his mother Lucy Peoples while Robert was still young. His mother Lucy was forced to raise Robert on her own and continue to work as a cook on the Mitchell farm. Robert does not recognize his family life often and responds with his family being the Peoples.

           Robert Vann’s earlier life shaped him into who he became later in life. His earlier life began with his school and work life. He had some janitor jobs during the summer of 1895. He was given these opportunities because of his mother being a respected cook in a respected house, but also because of his lighter complexion. He then attended and graduated as valedictorian from the Baptist-affiliated Waters Training School from 1895 to the spring of 1901. He enrolled in Wayland Academy, and then moved to Virginia Union University. Here is got a scholarship to attend Western University of Pennsylvania. He stayed here from 1906 until he graduated in 1909. While at Western University of Pennsylvania he was the first Black editor for the student journal. He got some smaller jobs while waiting to pass the bar exam, which he passed in 1909. Once he passed the Pennsylvania bar, he opened his own law firm. At this time, he was one of only five other Black lawyers in Pittsburgh.

           While practices law in 1910 he became the editor and treasurer of the Pittsburgh Courier, a new Black newspaper. Through this paper he helped Black American to have a voice and supported them. He was also very involved in politics throughout his life and through the newspaper. Through the newspaper he brought Black support to different groups, some groups which would not normally have the Black Americans support.

Vann supported the Republican party all of his life until the 1920’s. He started to be displeased by the Republican part during the terms of Herbert Hoover. He turned his attention to the Democratic party after this disappointment. He then helped democrat Franklin Roosevelt have the support of the Black Americans. This helping Franklin Roosevelt to end up winning the Presidential election. After Roosevelts first too terms Vann turned his support back to the Republican party, aiding them because he did not believe Roosevelt should receive a third term. He also thought Roosevelt had done a poor job representing the Black population economically. He then continued to be the editor and treasurer of the Pittsburgh Courier until his death, still supporting Black Americans.

“Robert L. Vann of the Pittsburgh Courier: Politics and Black Journalism.” Robert L. Vann of the Pittsburgh Courier: Politics and Black Journalism | Digital Pitt, digital.library.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735057893509/viewer#page/26/mode/2up. 

“Vann, Robert Lee.” NCpedia, www.ncpedia.org/biography/vann-robert-lee.