BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — With civil rights issues continuing nationwide, the story of a Blair County man from two centuries ago is a testament to the power of positive change through activism.

On a wall at Altoona Pipe and Steel, a recently unveiled mural depicting the life of William Nesbit is on display.

He was described as a leading civil rights activist.

Nesbit's activism often included direct action.

He moved to Altoona in 1855.

With a country on the verge of civil war, there was talk among Nesbit's fellow African American leaders of establishing a new community in Liberia. Nesbit took a firsthand look.

He went there for four months and saw corruption and then came back. He then traveled in Pennsylvania and New York, holding debates about what was best: Stay here, or move to Liberia.

Deciding it was better to stay in America, Nesbit, a barber and restaurant owner, multi-tasked on a number of issues of the day.

He was heavily involved in freedom for slaves through the underground railroad, and a civil rights pioneer in education.

He convinced a white teacher to integrate schools in Altoona and so he led the children in Nesbit's influence -- respected by many, including the then president at the time: Ulysses S. Grant.

Among their conversations was voting rights.

To make sure newly freed slaves had the right to votes along with other blacks in Pennsylvania.

Nesbit is sometimes a forgotten figure in civil rights, his tombstone is in Hollidaysburg's Union Cemetery. His obituary was printed in many papers in 1895, the one in the Tyrone Herald’s said quote "his entire life was given to the elevation of his race."

And so these day with what’s going on, and the talk about issues and Juneteenths and the mentioning of names like Frederick Douglas, they can also think about William Nesbit.

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