Edward P. McCabe (1850-1920)

Summary Label

Founded the city of Langston, Oklahoma for African Americans.

Edward P. McCabe was a political figure, attorney, and land agent in the late 1800’s. He was a founder of a city specifically for African American citizens.

Title

Edward P. McCabe (1850-1920)

Date of Birth

October 10, 1850

Date of Death

March 12, 1920

gender

Male

Hometown or Region

Troy, New York

Freedom Status

Free

Occupation

Attorney and Land Agent

Biography

In Oklahoma's Black towns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Edward P. McCabe was an established politician who made an impact on the state's history. Having grown up in the late 1860s, McCabe faced the difficulties of Jim Crow segregation and social inequalities before becoming an important figure at a period of intense social and political change. As an African American in Oklahoma, McCabe experienced prejudice and racism through politics and everyday life. He committed himself to fighting for the rights and community empowerment of Black people, who didn’t have the power to speak up and would not be discouraged. McCabe saw the potential for Black villages in Oklahoma, founded by other blacks that were recently freed; it served as a special place for McCabe to start his journey to serve. McCabe's political career took off when he became heavily involved in local politics, having jobs as mayor, member of the city council. He was committed to economic growth, equality, and justice for all citizens, especially African Americans as he created a hometown for them to feel safe in. Recognizing the success of efforts, he devoted his time to forming relationships and agreements that strengthened the power of himself and power of African American communities throughout the state. McCabe encountered many obstacles and disappointments, such as opposition from well ingrained white power systems and internal conflicts among the Black community. The memory of Edward P. McCabe continues as an acknowledgment to the persistence and will of Oklahoma's Black pioneers. Generations of leaders working toward a society with greater equity and justice are continually motivated by his contributions to the promotion of civil rights, community development, and political empowerment.

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Connected Historical Actor(s)

Booker T. Washington

Student Researcher

Ethan Gillespie