African Americans in Office

With the 15th Amendment being ratified in 1870, African American men finally gained the right to vote. After being denied this right for over 200 years, they took full advantage by voting and even electing African Americans into office. For the first time, they had a voice in American politics and could help make decisions that affected their communities.

One major success was the election of Hiram Rhodes Revels, who became the first African American U.S. Senator, representing Mississippi from 1870-1871. His seat had once been held by former Confederate President Jefferson Davis—a powerful symbol of change.

After Revels, more African Americans were elected to Congress. Over the next 40 years, 22 African Americans—many of them former slaves—served in the U.S. government.

One white Congressman, James G. Blaine, even admitted:

"The colored men who took their seats in both the Senate and House did not appear ignorant or helpless. They were as a rule studious, earnest, ambitious men, whose public conduct...would be honorable to any race."