Hiram Rhodes Revels was an African American trailblazer. Born as a Freeman in North Carolina in 1827, Revels fought for the Union in the Civil War and later served as a United States Senator from Mississippi. Revels, a member of the Republican Party, entered the Senate on February 25, 1870, becoming America’s first African American Senator.
America’s First African American Senator
Revels filled a vacant Senate seat in 1870 and became known for his moderate political views and public speaking skills. His experience as a preacher helped him deal with giving speeches as a politician.
The Senate admitted Revels on February 25, 1870. Republican Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts praised the importance of the moment, declaring:
“All men are created equal, says the great Declaration, and now a great act attests this verity. Today we make the Declaration a reality…. The Declaration was only half established by Independence. The greatest duty remained behind. In assuring the equal rights of all we complete the work.”