First African Americans in Congress

African Americans being members of Congress was unheard of until the year 1870. There has never been any black people as members of Congress. After the Civil War, Republicans in Congress tried to pass a series of laws and constitutional amendments to gain civil and political rights for African Americans. These people were considered radical because of their stance on trying to get rights for black people. In 1867, Congress passed a law that required all of the former Confederate states to include black male suffrage to their constitution. In May, 1868, Republicans held their presidential nomination convention and chose Ulysses S. Grant as their nominee. He was elected president and began his presidency in 1869.

When the new year began in 1869, the Republicans were ready to introduce a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the black man’s right to vote. For two months, Congress considered the proposed amendment. Several versions of the amendment were submitted, debated, rejected and then reconsidered in both the House and Senate.

Finally, at the end of February 1869, Congress approved a compromise amendment that stated:

Section 1: The right of citizens of the United States vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Section 2: The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

https://www.crf-usa.org/black-history-month/african-americans-and-the-15th-amendment

In 1870, 2 African American members of Congress were elected: Senator Hiram Revels of Mississippi, and Representative Joseph Rainey of South Carolina. This is one of the most incredible events in history. In the span of 5 years, black people went from having absolutely no rights and seen as another man's property. To being able to vote and be elected to Congress.

https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/BAIC/Black-Americans-in-Congress/

Hiram Revels

Joseph Rainey