Hiram Rhodes Revels, an iconic figure in American history, stands as a symbol of courage, resilience, and progress during a time of immense challenges.
Hiram Rhodes Revels, born in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1827, was a trailblazing figure who achieved remarkable milestones as a minister, educator, and politician.
He holds the distinction of being the first African-American to serve in the United States Senate, leaving an indelible mark in American history.
His life’s journey embodies the struggle for freedom, civil rights, and equal representation for African Americans in post-Civil War America.
From his early years, Hiram Rhodes Revels exhibited a thirst for knowledge and a determination to overcome the barriers imposed by a society marked by racial discrimination.
As a young man, he seized opportunities for education and spiritual growth, carving a path that would shape his future endeavors.
His unwavering commitment to social justice and his remarkable achievements in the face of adversity make Revels an inspiring figure whose legacy continues to resonate today.
Early Life and Education
Hiram Rhodes Revels, a prominent figure in American history, was born free in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1827.
Coming from a lineage of free people of color with diverse African American, European, and Native American ancestry, Hiram Rhodes Revels had a rich and multicultural background.
His father was a Baptist preacher, and his mother was of Scots descent, adding to the diversity of his heritage.
Revels was even connected to notable figures like Lewis Sheridan Leary, who participated in John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, and John S. Leary, a prominent lawyer and politician in North Carolina.
During his younger years, Hiram Rhodes Revels received early education from a local black woman. At the age of 11, he moved to Lincolnton, North Carolina, to live with his older brother and apprentice as a barber.
Barbering was considered a respectable trade for black Americans at that time, offering opportunities to establish connections with the white community.
After his brother’s passing, Hiram Rhodes Revels inherited the barber shop and continued his trade. Revels pursued further education at the Beech Grove Quaker Seminary and the Union Literary Institute, both in Indiana.
In 1845, he was ordained as a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) and embarked on a career as a preacher and religious teacher across several states in the Midwest.
Despite facing opposition and even imprisonment for preaching to African Americans, Revels remained dedicated to spreading the gospel.
During the American Civil War, Hiram Rhodes Revels served as a chaplain in the United States Army and played a significant role in recruiting and organizing black Union regiments in Maryland and Missouri.
He actively participated in the Battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi, showcasing his commitment to the cause of freedom.
Revels’ life journey was marked by his unwavering determination, resilience, and pursuit of equality. From his early experiences as a barber and a minister to his contributions during the Civil War, Revels laid the foundation for his future achievements as a prominent advocate for civil rights and education.
His story continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the courage and strength needed to overcome adversity and fight for justice.
Revels’ religious calling became evident, leading to his ordination as a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) in 1845.
He dedicated himself to spreading the teachings of the church and educating communities across the Midwest, including Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas.
Despite facing challenges and even enduring imprisonment in Missouri in 1854 for preaching to African Americans, Revels remained steadfast in his mission. He also exercised his right to vote during his time in Ohio.
To deepen his religious knowledge, Revels pursued further studies at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois from 1855 to 1857.
Subsequently, he served as a minister in a Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, while simultaneously holding the position of principal at a black high school.
During the tumultuous American Civil War, Revels took on the role of chaplain in the United States Army. As the United States Colored Troops were established, he played a pivotal part in recruiting and organizing two black Union regiments in Maryland and Missouri.
His contributions extended to the Battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi, where he actively participated. Following the war, Hiram Rhodes Revels settled in Mississippi, where he continued his ministry and made further significant contributions to society.
Political career
Revels embarked on his political journey in 1868 when he was appointed to the Mississippi State Senate to fill a vacant position.
He served in the State Senate until 1870, a significant period as Mississippi sought readmission to the Union following the Civil War.
During this time, the state’s legislature was responsible for electing two senators to represent Mississippi in Congress.
Despite facing opposition from Democrats who objected to the idea of an African American senator, Revels was nominated by the Republican majority in the legislature.
In a historic turn of events, Revels was elected to the Senate and took his oath of office on February 25, 1870. Throughout his senatorial term, Revels stood as a staunch advocate for civil rights, diligently working to pass legislation that safeguarded the rights of African Americans.
He championed racial equality and made it his mission to dispel any doubts about the capabilities of African Americans among his fellow senators.
However, Revels encountered numerous challenges during his time in the Senate. He faced discrimination and hostility from many of his colleagues, enduring racist remarks and insults.
Nevertheless, Revels remained unwavering in his commitment to advancing civil rights, tirelessly advocating for the rights of African Americans and striving to overcome the obstacles placed before him.
In 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels faced a challenge upon his election to the U.S. Senate. At that time, senators were not elected through popular vote but rather by the state legislatures.
Revels was chosen by the Mississippi legislature to complete the term left vacant since the Civil War. However, his arrival in Washington, D.C. was met with opposition from Southern Democrats who refused to seat him in the Senate.
The Democrats based their objections on the 1857 Dred Scott Decision, a Supreme Court ruling that denied citizenship to people of African descent.
They argued that Revels, as an African American, could not meet the requirement of nine years’ prior citizenship, as he was not considered a citizen before the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868.
Supporters of Revels put forth various arguments in his defense. Some emphasized his mixed ancestry, suggesting that the Dred Scott decision only applied to those of purely African descent.
They also highlighted Revels’ established citizenship, demonstrated by his previous voting record in Ohio, and asserted that he had met the citizenship requirement prior to the Dred Scott decision.
However, the underlying argument made by Revels’ supporters was more significant. They contended that the Civil War and the Reconstruction amendments had nullified the Dred Scott decision.
They argued that the subordination of the black race was no longer part of the constitutional framework and, therefore, it would be unconstitutional to exclude Revels based on pre-Civil War citizenship rules.
Senator Charles Sumner, a prominent Republican, stated that the time for argument had passed, and it was evident that colored persons should be senators.
He emphasized that the Declaration of Independence’s principle of equality needed to be fully realized, and Revels’ election was a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
Finally, on February 25, 1870, Revels made history as the first African American to be seated in the United States Senate.
The vote, along party lines, saw Republicans supporting his inclusion while Democrats opposed it. As Revels took the oath of office, the significance of the moment was recognized by all, with everyone in the galleries standing to witness this ground-breaking event.
Senator Henry Wilson, another advocate for Hiram Rhodes Revels, presented evidence affirming the validity of his election.
He highlighted the endorsements from the Mississippi House of Representatives, the Mississippi State Senate, and the military Governor of Mississippi, Adelbert Ames.
Wilson argued that Revels’ skin color should not hinder his service in the Senate, connecting the role of the Senate with the Christian principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated.
Thus, Revels overcame significant opposition and entered the Senate, marking a significant milestone in African American history and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Conclusion
Although Hiram Rhodes Revels’ tenure in the Senate was relatively short, his impact and legacy remain profound.
His term concluded in March 1871, after which he assumed the presidency of Alcorn University in Mississippi and remained active in various civic and political organizations.
Revels’ historic achievement as the first African American to serve in the Senate continues to serve as an inspiration for countless individuals across generations.
His election to this esteemed position marked a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, breaking barriers and opening doors for future African American leaders to pursue political careers.
Revels’ unwavering commitment to equality and his advocacy for the rights of African Americans left an indelible mark on the history of the United States.
His courage in the face of discrimination and his relentless pursuit of justice serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who strive to make a positive change in society.
Also read: The Life and Legacy of Haile Selassie, The Last Emperor of Ethiopia
As we reflect on Hiram Rhodes Revels’ achievement, we recognize the lasting impact of his legacy.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiram_Rhodes_Revels
