At a time when most African Americans were struggling to earn a decent living, there were those who dared to look beyond the barriers that often served as roadblocks or dead end streets. Dr. Harvey Van Buren was one such person who would stop at nothing to accomplish his dreams. Born in Sumter, S.C., to James and Harriet (Grantum) Van Buren, the young Harvey set himself apart from others by being a diligent student who worked hard to earn good grades and the admiration of others.