Charles H. Turner Paintings

Charles Henry Turner was an American zoologist, educator, and comparative psychologist, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of entomology and the study of animal behavior. Born on February 3, 1867, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Turner was a trailblazer in many aspects – he was among the first African Americans to receive a graduate degree in the United States, earning his Master's degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1891, and he became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago in 1907.

Turner's research was pioneering, especially in the area of insect behavior. He published extensively on topics such as the behavior of ants, the color vision of honeybees, and the learning abilities of insects, making considerable advancements in the understanding of animal cognition. His work was not only groundbreaking in the scientific study of animals but also in challenging the prevailing misconceptions of his time about the intelligence of different races.

Despite his accomplishments, Turner faced racial discrimination which limited his career opportunities. He spent much of his professional life teaching at historically black colleges and high schools, primarily at Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was a beloved teacher and mentor. Although he did not have access to the same level of resources and support as his peers at major research institutions, Turner's dedication to science and education never wavered.

Charles Henry Turner's contributions were not fully recognized during his lifetime, largely due to the racial prejudices of the era. However, his legacy has grown posthumously as historians and scientists have come to appreciate the depth and significance of his work. He passed away on February 14, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, leaving behind a body of work that continues to influence the fields of entomology and psychology to this day.