- Jun 17, 2026
- Times: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
- Venue: Hershey History Center - Home of the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society
-
40 Northeast Drive
Hershey, PA 17033 - Admission: Free
- Phone: (717) 520-0748
- Visit Website
Before the national civil rights movement gained momentum under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a local figure was already laying the groundwork for racial and economic justice. On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Hershey History Center will host "An Unsung Hero of Civil Rights: The Legacy of W. Miller Barbour," a program dedicated to uncovering the remarkable life of a local resident turned national human rights advocate.
The program highlights Barbour’s deep roots in the Hershey, Hummelstown, Middletown, and Elizabethtown communities. Despite his significant contributions, Barbour remains a lesser-known figure whose story bridges the gap between local heritage and the national struggle for equality.
W. Miller Barbour was a trailblazer from his youth, becoming one of the first African American graduates of Elizabethtown College and the first African American college football player in Lancaster County. His academic and athletic success paved the way for a career dedicated to social reform. After earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania during World War II, Barbour pioneered programs to address gang violence before rising to leadership roles within the National Urban League in Denver and Los Angeles.
"Barbour was advancing the core ideals of the civil rights movement well before they were nationally recognized," says the Hershey History Center. "By honoring him, we connect our own streets and schools to the broader narrative of American progress." Though Barbour passed away in 1957, his advocacy for economic equity and human rights remains relevant today. This program serves as a long-overdue recognition of a champion who grew up in our backyard and went on to change the cultural landscape of the country.
This is an in-person program, but you may register to access the live stream. The program is free! Please consider a donation to support future programs such as this. 100% of your donation goes to our mission. Thank you.
