Hiram Revel Research Paper

The purpose of this study is to present bibliographical information of Hiram Revels and his impact on the culture, politics, and history of the African-American experience. Hiram Revels impacted life, black churches as well as blacks and whites with opposing political views. As the first African American Senate, a person of Revels defeated stereotype that came along with the Dred Scott decision, which stated that no individual of African ancestry was or could be considered a citizen of the United States. In order to provide a preferable understanding of Hiram Revels, this research paper will also contribute biographical information. Hiram Revels was born free in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Although being free, he was impeded from receiving …show more content…
During his time with the Mississippi Senate he became significant indisputable spokesman for blacks. Although many southern Democrats disapproved of him taking seat, they also tried to take action on stopping him. He wanted to enlighten others of the capability that blacks possessed. Many opposed on the things that he was trying to do for blacks. He then began to struggle handling his ministerial and political duties, he was a republican so in order to avoid conflict with southern whites he supported legislation that disenfranchised members of the former Confederacy to vote and hold office once again, which resulted in his ability to gain the respect of both whites and blacks. In 1870, he was elected the first African American member of the United States Senate. Luckily he was honored enough to replace the seat of senate Jefferson Davis. It was believed that it was powerful and meaningful having a black man take seat in Senate during that time frame. Many argued that he didn’t reach the qualifications for holding that position. This was based upon the 1857 Dred Scott Supreme Court decision, which stated “that no individual of African ancestry was or could be considered a citizen of the United States”. After the Civil War, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granted citizenship to all individuals “born or naturalized in the United States, but it was ratified in 1868”. Many argued that the Dred Scott position was upended by the Civil War and the Reconstruction era. While serving as Senate he initiated three bills, where only one was passed. The one that was passed was a petition to eradicate the political and civil disabilities of ex Confederate officers and officials, restoring there full citizenship. During his time as Senate he also served on the Committee on the District of Colombia and on the Committee of Education. He opposed on segregation and supported civil