Hiram Rhodes Revels
Hiram Rhodes Revels
Hiram Rhodes Revelswas a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican politician, and college administrator. Born free in North Carolina, he later lived and worked in Ohio, where he voted before the Civil War. He became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress when he was elected to the United States Senate to represent Mississippi in 1870 and 1871 during the Reconstruction era...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth27 September 1827
CountryUnited States of America
advantages business desire desired earnest education enjoyed leave mental mere native proud school study
While I appreciated the educational advantages I enjoyed in the school and was proud of what I could show in mental culture, I had an earnest desire for something more than a mere business education... I desired to study for a profession, and this prompted me to leave my native state.
african colored constitution eighth elected man men seat state supported veins
The Legislature, which was elected under the Constitution framed and supported by colored men, declared that a man having more than an eighth of African blood in his veins was ineligible to office or a seat in the Legislature of the State of Georgia.
colored countless england field graves lean men middle noble race saved security sleep states today whom women
The colored race saved to the noble women of New England and the middle States men on whom they lean today for security and safety. Many of my race, the representatives of these men on the field of battle, sleep in the countless graves of the South.
account country evident judgments manner oppressed ordeal passed people portions poured race severe treated
It is evident that it is the belief of Christian people in this country and in all other enlightened portions of the world that as a nation, we have passed through a severe ordeal - that severe judgments have been poured out upon us on account of the manner in which a poor, oppressed race was treated in this country.
aim animate bear elevate feelings former interest maintain masters race record single themselves toward true white
I maintain that the past record of my race is a true index of the feelings which today animate them. They bear toward their former masters no revengeful thoughts, no hatreds, no animosities. They aim not to elevate themselves by sacrificing one single interest of their white fellow-citizens.
against colored exist great hearts justify party people persons white
Have the colored people done anything to justify the prejudice against them that does exist in the hearts of so many white persons and, generally, of one great political party in this country? Have they done anything to justify it? No, sir.
brought car children colored men shown white whom
Go to the depot here, now, and what will you see? A well-dressed colored lady, with her little children by her side, whom she has brought up intelligently and with refinement, as much so as white children, comes to the cars, and where is she shown to? Into the smoking car, where men are cursing, swearing, spitting on the floor.
colored doctrine everywhere favor parts state tearing traveled
During the canvass in the State of Mississippi, I traveled into different parts of that state, and this is the doctrine that I everywhere uttered: that while I was in favor of building up the colored race, I was not in favor of tearing down the white race.
imprisoned missouri subjected though
I was imprisoned in Missouri in 1854 for preaching the gospel to Negroes, though I was never subjected to violence.
incite
I sedulously refrained from doing anything that would incite slaves to run away from their masters.
colored mechanics time united yard
I got colored mechanics in the United States Navy Yard for the first time.
against borders country din discord fain loyal men party peace repose republican truly wide within
The Republican party is not inflamed, as some would fain have the country believe, against the South. Its borders are wide enough for all truly loyal men to find within them peace and repose from the din and discord of angry faction.
acquiring assist becoming valuable
I am true to my own race. I wish to see all done that can be done for their encouragement, to assist them in acquiring property, in becoming intelligent, enlightened, useful, valuable citizens.
colored matter north obligation owe people
The people of the North owe to the colored race a deep obligation that is no easy matter to fulfill.