John Newton Templeton, portrayed by Christopher Dontrelle Piper, was the first African-American to graduate from Ohio University in the 1820s. While a student he was part of the household of the university president, the Rev. Robert Wilson (played by Vince Davis). Free Man of Color was commissioned by the university as part of its bicentennial celebration in 2004.  Written by Charles Smith, the three-person play has since been produced across the United States. This image comes from Dallas, Texas, and its production by the African American Repertory Theater.