Who was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in the United States?

W.E.B. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in the United States, achieving this milestone at Harvard University in 1895. His groundbreaking dissertation focused on the topic of "The Suppression of the African Slave Trade to the United States of America, 1638-1870," demonstrating not only his academic prowess but also his deep interest in the social issues surrounding race and inequality in America.

Du Bois went on to become a prominent civil rights activist, co-founding the NAACP and advocating for the rights of African Americans and the importance of higher education. His work laid the foundation for future scholarship and activism surrounding race, making his contributions significant both in the realm of academia and in the struggle for civil rights.

The other individuals mentioned played essential roles in the history of African American achievement and advocacy but did not hold the distinction of being the first to earn a Ph.D.