Hiram Revels: The First Black U.S. Senator

Hiram Rhodes Revels was the first black US Senator and a significant figure in American history. Born free in 1827, he pursued education despite legal barriers and became an ordained minister. Revels was active in religious and educational efforts, establishing schools for black children. During the Civil War, he recruited black soldiers and served as a chaplain. Post-war, he entered politics, becoming a Mississippi State Senator and later the first black US Senator. He continued advocating for black education until his death in 1901.

Who was the first black person to serve as a member of the United States Congress?

• Kamala Harris

• Barack Obama

• Hiram Rhodes Revels

• Shirley Chisholm

What was Hiram Revels' profession before entering politics?

• Lawyer

• Pastor

• Teacher

• Doctor

What was one of Hiram Revels' significant contributions to education?

• Founding the first black university

• Establishing schools for black children

• Writing educational textbooks

• Creating a scholarship fund

During which war did Hiram Revels recruit black soldiers for the Union?

• The Revolutionary War

• The Civil War

• The War of 1812

• World War I

In which state did Hiram Revels begin his political career?

• North Carolina

• Illinois

• Mississippi

• Ohio

What position did Hiram Revels hold after serving in the U.S. Senate?

• Governor of Mississippi

• President of Alcorn State University

• Mayor of Natchez

• Secretary of State

Who became the first black elected official to have a seat in the United States House of Representatives in 1870?

• W.E.B. Du Bois

• Booker T. Washington

• Frederick Douglass

• Joseph Hayne Rainey