Most Americans have and will never learn the history of black representation during America's Reconstruction. Scholars like Eric Foner and W.E.B. Du Bois document blacks serving in public office throughout the nineteenth century. However, they leave many open questions about how exactly African American lawmakers governed. Drawing on archival research and analysis of congressional debates and bill introductions, this thesis shows sixteen black members of Congress ensured Americans could have a larger voice in their government. African American lawmakers advocated for protecting civil rights, implementing a national education system, and improving America's economy, which were all concerns important to the larger black community. An analysis of letters written to Senator Blanche Bruce shows African Americans across the country felt represented by black lawmakers even if they were not their elected officials. Thus, black members of Congress who served during Reconstruction should be recognized as the forgotten founders of America.
"},{"label":"Degree","value":["Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors"]},{"label":"Author-supplied Keywords","value":["Reconstruction","Black members of Congress","19th century"]},{"label":"Administrative Note","value":"Drupal Node ID: 23764