Hiram Revels and His Legacy

Hiram Rhodes Revels, born in 1827, became the first African-American U.S. Senator in 1870. Despite legal challenges due to the Dred Scott decision and the recent 14th Amendment, he was elected to fill a vacant Senate seat. His election was a significant milestone in African-American history. After serving for 13 months, Revels became the first president of Alcorn State University, contributing to education and civil rights.

Where was Hiram Rhodes Revels born?

• Aberdeen, Mississippi

• Washington, D.C.

• Fayetteville, North Carolina

• Columbus, Ohio

What significant role did Hiram Revels achieve in 1870?

• First African American President

• First African American Supreme Court Justice

• First African American Governor

• First African American U.S. Senator

What was a major argument against Revels' seating in the Senate?

• He was not born in the United States

• He was not affiliated with a political party

• He had not served in the military

• He had not been a U.S. citizen for nine years

Which amendment was crucial in allowing African Americans to be considered citizens?

• 13th Amendment

• 16th Amendment

• 14th Amendment

• 15th Amendment

What was the primary argument used by Southern Democrats against Revels' seating?

• He was too young

• He was not a citizen for nine years

• He was not a resident of Mississippi

• He was not a registered voter

Who was a key supporter of Revels' seating in the Senate?

• Frederick Douglass

• President Abraham Lincoln

• U.S. Senator Charles Sumner

• U.S. Senator Stephen Douglas

How long did Hiram Revels serve in the U.S. Senate?

• Two years

• Six months

• Four years

• Just under 13 months

Who replaced Hiram Revels in the Senate?

• James Alcorn

• Charles Sumner

• Albert G. Brown

• Andrew Johnson

What position did Revels hold after his Senate term?

• Governor of Mississippi

• President of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College

• U.S. Ambassador to France

• Mayor of Fayetteville

What is the modern name of the college where Revels served as president?

• Mississippi State University

• Alcorn State University

• Jackson State University

• University of Mississippi