Former OC Distinguished Visiting Professor continues ensuring Black history is taught and understood

Dallas’ TV channel 5 recently featured former OC student and retired Dallas Teacher of the Year Robert Edison for his commitment to teaching a full understanding of Black history.

March 2, 2021

Robert Edison was attending Oklahoma Christian in 1969 when he and 17 other students were kicked out for challenging discrimination throughout campus. Just a few years ago, OC sought to right the wrongs committed against the OC 18 through a public apology and celebration of the students’ bravery. Edison’s OC story came full circle when he accepted an invitation to serve for a year at OC as a distinguished visiting professor of history in racial and ethnic diversity, African returning to Dallas last summer. 

Edison’s time at OC was only the latest chapter in a career dedicated to helping students more fully understand African American history. Shortly after transferring from OC and graduating college, he was hired in Texas by the Dallas Independent School District in 1971. 

Edison went on to be involved in education for 40 years. Recently, news channel 5 in Dallas featured Edison’s career and current work in museum education to further teach what he believes everyone should understand and acknowledge regarding Black history, including lessons he experienced painfully and first-hand.