Public Officials/Politicians
Articles and other resources about African American politicians.
Black Firsts in Government
After the Civil War, the policies of Reconstruction led to the election of blacks to state legislatures and Congress. Although progress was made, when Reconstruction ended so did many of these gains. It would take nearly ninety years until the next big feat in politics: in 1967, Carl Stokes was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. From thereafter, steady gains for black men and women would come.
After the Civil War, the policies of Reconstruction led to the election of blacks to state legislatures and Congress. Although progress was made, when Reconstruction ended so did many of these gains. It would take nearly ninety years until the next big feat in politics: in 1967, Carl Stokes was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. From thereafter, steady gains for black men and women would come.
Black Election Day in New England
Despite their enslavement, 18th century New England slaves took pride in electing their own governors and kings. Find out about this unique slave tradition.
Despite their enslavement, 18th century New England slaves took pride in electing their own governors and kings. Find out about this unique slave tradition.