8th Grade U.S. History - African American Lawmakers

Currier & Ives. 1872. "The first colored senator and representatives - in the 41st and 42nd Congress of the United States." Lithograph. New York: Published by Currier & Ives. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print.

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Historic African American Congressional Representation: Reflection of Success

Historic African American congressional representation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries reflected a significant milestone in the struggle for civil rights and political empowerment. From 1869 to 1901, a total of 20 representatives and 2 senators served in the United States Congress, all hailing from the Southern states. However, this progress was marred by challenges and setbacks, including the denial of a Senate seat to an African American senator from Louisiana.

Following this period, no African Americans served as representatives again until 1929, a gap of almost three decades. Moreover, there were no African American representatives from the South until 1973, underscoring the deep-rooted racial discrimination and barriers to political office in the region. The journey to full representation was arduous, with African Americans facing systemic racism and voter suppression.

In the Senate, the situation was not much different. It wasn't until 1967 that an African American served as a senator again, marking another breakthrough in congressional diversity. Since then, a total of 10 African Americans have served as senators, highlighting a slow but steady progress towards inclusive representation in the highest legislative body in the nation.

The historic African American congressional representation between 1869 and 1901 was a pivotal period that laid the groundwork for future generations of Black leaders to enter the political arena. Despite facing immense adversity and discrimination, these early trailblazers set the stage for greater diversity and representation in Congress, shaping the course of American history and advancing the cause of equality for all.