Teaching Career
In 1964, Toppin began his teaching career at Virginia State University (VSU). In the mid-1960s, he created, Americans from Africa, an educational 30 lesson television course, that aired on Richmond's public TV station and was later aired across the country.
In 1966, Toppin was the first African American member admitted to the Virginia Historical Society and in 1989, would become the first African American member of the board of trustees.
Toppin served as President of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History from 1974–1976 and played an integral role in turning Black History Week into Black History Month in 1976. In 1975, he was the first African American appointed to the National Park Service's Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings, and Monuments.
In 1979, he was appointed Dean of the Graduate School at Virginia State University. He also served as provost and vice president of academic affairs of the University from 1987 to 1989.
In 1992, Toppin was honored in the Dominion series Strong Men & Women - Excellence in Leadership that honors African American "positive role models and demonstrate leadership in their chosen field" and "someone whose achievements have made an imprint upon some facet of national or local life". The series has honored such individuals as Colin Powell, Mae Jemison, Michael Jordan, Thurgood Marshall, Reginald Lewis, Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey.
In December 1999, the Surry County, Virginia, Historical Society and Museums called Dr. Toppin, "one of the greatest living authorities on African-American history. spoke on the Civil War and the little understood post-war period of Reconstruction".
On December 8, 2004, Toppin died of heart failure at the age of 76. He is buried at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia, beside his son, Edgar Toppin, Jr. Toppin once said, "I hope people would remember me for my humaneness, for being kindly to both colleagues, staff and students; for seeing the worth and potential in each person, no matter who it is or their background." Known for his warm and outgoing personality, his grave reads: "He Never Met a Stranger"
He was survived by his wife Antoinette Toppin, his two daughters Avis Bent and Louise Toppin.
In 2005, VSU established the Edgar A. Toppin Endowment Fund.
Read more about this topic: Edgar Toppin
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