A man of firsts will be highlighted during the First Thursday Presentation tomorrow at the Smoky Hill Museum.

Robert Caldwell was born in Pittsburgh, Kansas just before WW I, and broke social barriers to became the first African-American Mayor in Salina.

Marie Johnson joined in on the KSAL Morning News with a look back at Caldwell, “What is significant is that in 1970 he was just one of 135 African-American mayors in the United States,”Johnson said.

Johnson has done extensive research on Robert Caldwell who was also the first black teacher in a Salina integrated school.

Johnson added his integrity and trust from his peers also led to his election to a the Kansas State Legislature.

“He was a great communicator. He was beloved in the black community and very well respected in the white community and was able to bridge that gap and do some things throughout the state,” Johnson said.

The free presentation is offered on Thursday, February 4th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at the Smoky Hill Museum.

https://soundcloud.com/ksal-radio/marie-johnson-2-3-16