A photograph of Benjamin W. Arnett, an African-American minister, elected official, and educator.
Though Benjamin W. Arnett was born a free man, he still did not receive the equal education that white children did. He resolved to change this when he was elected to the Ohio General Assembly in 1885. It made him the first African-American to represent a majorly white constituency. He introduced legislation to repeal laws that limited the resources and opportunities for African-Americans. He succeeded in his goals in 1887, when Ohio’s statues regarding education were changed. Ohio was then required to offer equal education for all children, regardless of race.