Newell Houston Ensley (August 23, 1852 – May 23, 1888) was an American Baptist minister and civil rights activist.

His family was owned by his mother's father and Ensley was allowed to play with the white children on the farm and was taught to read and write.

[1] During his studies at Roger Williams, he attended the six-year classical course Nashville Baptist Institute, receiving a diploma in May 1877.

[3] After graduating from Newton, Ensley took a position of professor of theology and Latin[2] at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

[4] One year later, he moved to Howard University in Washington, DC, serving as a professor of rhetoric, Hebrew, and science.

He then moved to Alcorn University in Lorman, Mississippi where he held the title of professor of rhetoric, natural sciences, and vocal music[5][1] from 1882 until his death in 1888.

The restaurant had a rule against serving black people, and Ensley was thrown out in an affair which received national coverage.