Hiram R. Revels

Early Life and Education

Hiram R. Revels, an American politician, educator, and minister who made history as the first African American to hold office in the United States Congress. Representing Mississippi, he served in the U.S. Senate from 1870 to 1871 during the period of Reconstruction.

Revels was born in North Carolina in 1827. He received his education at a school for black students and later pursued studies at a Quaker seminary in Indiana. He became ordained as a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and embarked on a journey across the Midwest and South in an attempt to spread his teachings, thereby providing education to the black community.

Contributions During the Civil War

During the Civil War, Revels played a critical role in recruiting and organizing two regiments of black soldiers in Maryland and Missouri. Additionally, he served as a chaplain for a black regiment in Mississippi. After the conclusion of the war, Revels settled in Natchez, Mississippi, where he continued his religious and educational work.

Political Career and Historic Senate Appointment

In 1869, Hiram R. Revels won the Republican seat in the Mississippi State Senate. The following year, the state legislature selected him to occupy one of the two empty U.S. Senate positions representing Mississippi. Democrats disputed his election by claiming that he did not meet the constitutional requirement of being a citizen for nine years. This argument stemmed from the fact that black individuals were not recognized as citizens until the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868. Nevertheless, the Republican majority voted to admit him, thus making Revels the first African American senator in U.S. history.

Political Career and Historic Senate Appointment

In 1869, Hiram R. Revels won the Republican seat in the Mississippi State Senate. The following year, the state legislature selected him to occupy one of the two empty U.S. Senate positions representing Mississippi. Democrats disputed his election by claiming that he did not meet the constitutional requirement of being a citizen for nine years. This argument stemmed from the fact that black individuals were not recognized as citizens until the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868. Nevertheless, the Republican majority voted to admit him, thus making Revels the first African American senator in U.S. history.

Advocacy in the U.S. Senate

During his one-year term in the Senate, Revels advocated for civil rights and promoted education for black people.

Later Career and Legacy

He left the Senate and returned to Mississippi where he became the inaugural president of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, which is now known as Alcorn State University. Revels passed away in 1901 at the age of 73.

During his one-year term in the Senate, Revels advocated for civil rights and promoted education for black people. He left the Senate and returned to Mississippi where he became the inaugural president of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College which is now known as Alcorn State University. Revels passed away in 1901 at the age of 73.