By Te’J Rodriguez, Junior Psychology Scholar

The future that Livingstone College represents today was once only a vision. During the Reconstruction era, African Americans had just gained their freedom, but opportunities remained limited. Many were forced to sharecrop or manual labor, with few pathways toward education or leadership. At a time when education seemed uncertain, Joseph Charles Price envisioned something greater. He believed in the power of education to transform lives and communities, and he dedicated his life to building that future.

Price was born on February 10, 1854, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to an enslaved father and a free Black woman, Emily Paulin. During the violence and instability of the Civil War, his mother moved the family to New Bern, North Carolina, in search of safety. She later married David Price, from whom Joseph received his surname. These early experiences of instability, racial injustice, and resilience shaped Price’s understanding of the urgent need for education and leadership within the Black community.

In 1863, Price began his education at St. Andrew’s School, founded by James Walker Hood, a prominent bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion Church). Price quickly distinguished himself through his academic excellence and discipline. At a young age, he became the principal of a Black school in Wilson, North Carolina, a remarkable achievement that reflected both his intellectual ability and his commitment to uplifting others through education. He later continued his studies at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, further deepening his commitment to learning and service.

Price eventually transferred to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania to study ministry within the AME Zion Church. There he gained national recognition for his intellectual brilliance and powerful oratory. After graduating in 1879, he stayed for two more years in seminary. Rather than using his education for personal gain alone, Price dedicated his life to uplifting Black people through faith, education, and institution building.

In 1879, Zion Wesley Institute was established in Concord, North Carolina. Just two years later, Bishop Hood recommended that Price establish a permanent Black college in North Carolina. Accepting this responsibility, Price worked tirelessly to raise funds and secure the security of the institution. With the backing of white residents in Salisbury and nearly ten

thousand dollars in donations, the institution was renamed Livingstone College and relocated to Salisbury, North Carolina. Price became the first president of Livingstone College, dedicating himself fully to its growth, survival, and mission.

As president, Price envisioned Livingstone College as more than a place of academic instruction. He believed education should develop the whole person intellectually, morally, and spiritually while preparing Black students to lead, serve, and challenge injustice. Despite financial hardship, racial hostility, and skepticism, Price never wavered in his commitment. He traveled across the United States and internationally to raise funds, advocate for Black education, and defend the importance of Black led institutions.

Price was also a courageous civil rights advocate. He openly condemned segregation, racial violence, and injustice during a time when speaking out placed Black leaders at risk. Through his leadership in the AME Zion Church and Livingstone College, he encouraged Black self determination, education, and collective responsibility. His work helped lay the foundation for future generations of Black leaders, educators, and change makers.

Although Price passed away unexpectedly in 1893at the age of 39, his legacy continues to endure. Livingstone College stands today as a testament to his vision: an institution built on faith, resilience, and the belief that education has the power to transform lives.

Learning about Price has made my experience at Livingstone deeply personal. His life reminds me that education is not only a personal achievement, but a responsibility to my community and to future generations. His perseverance in the face of adversity motivates me to stay committed to my goals, even when challenges arise. Because of his vision, I can walk around the campus where he helped build and pursue opportunities he fought to create.

Joseph Charles Price did not simply lead a college. He created a legacy. He transformed education into a form of empowerment and institution building into an act of faith. His belief in the future of Black education continues to shape Livingstone College and inspires students like me to carry his mission forward.

Because he believed Livingstone College exists. Because he believed that generations of students, including myself, could learn, grow, and lead.