Home / Education / / History Players / Thomas Lyles

Thomas Lyles

Thomas LylesThomas Lyles
(1843-1920)
African American community activist and entrepreneur

Thomas Lyles broke a number of barriers. Your students will learn about:

  • His work running businesses-a barbershop, funeral home and newspaper
  • St. Paul's African American community at the turn of the last century
  • His fight against racial discrimination
  • The migration of African Americans to Minnesota in the years following the Civil War

Grades K-8
"Northern Lights" Chapter 13

More Information about Thomas Lyles


Schedule a History Player

To arrange a visit by a History Player, contact the Scheduling Office at 651-259-3400 or submit an online request.

NOTE: History Players must be scheduled at least six weeks in advance. Availability of specific characters may be limited and is subject to change. Additional fees for mileage and lodging reimbursement apply to travel outside of the Twin Cities metro area.