By Josh Lambert
Among the many African-Americans being honored during Black History Month is Christopher Payne. Payne was a Monroe County native, a pioneer in black journalism, the first African-American to serve in the West Virginia Legislature and a U.S. Consul General. Payne was born in Monroe County, VA, now West Virginia, on September 7, 1845. His parents were both free blacks, and Payne was an only child. Although his father died of smallpox when he was two years old, Payne’s mother taught him to read and write at a young age. These teachings became a mainstay for Payne’s future success.
Read more in the Monday, February 23, edition of the West Virginia Daily News.
