Charles Alexander and Thomas Graham Dorsey

Charles and Thomas Dorsey were the children of Augustus Dorsey. The brothers both went on to play leading roles in the African American community after the Civil War. This exhibit explores their lives in Brooklyn and Washington D.C. after leaving New York Central College.

The Dorsey brothers attended New York Central College from the years 1855-1858. The brothers were two of many students who chose the opportunity to work the land to pay for their college tuition. The brothers did this not only to pay their tuition, but to also learn about agricultural science, a science that was beneficial to anyone and everyone. During their studies at New York Central College, the brothers were exposed to many things that they would not have been exposed to without attending. Their learning opportunities allowed them to pursue higher education, better themselves, and better their communities in the future. It also drove them to be a part of more in their lives, and better the black communities around them. The brothers graduated from New York Central College in the year 1858.

Written by Tyler Holcomb (a student in Dr. Evan Faulkenbury’s HIS 312: African American History to 1865 class) and Thomas Keely and Holly Pianosi (students in Dr. Scott Moranda’s HIS 499: Research Experience in History class).