BHS Day 24: Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hi! For the final political Spotlight of the month, I wanted to feature someone whose name I'd heard many times over the years but didn't know much about. African-Americans in politics, despite finally being able to say we've had a Black president, is still a bit of a rarity for me. So I always like to hear about those who opened the door and paved the way, whether I agree with the viewpoints or not. I would love to see more minorities involved with politics and activism, which brings me to today's entrant, who was one of the first Black politicians of our country. 

Name: Blanche Kelso Bruce, 1841-1898

Profession: US Senator

Why is the Spotlight on him today? For his accomplishments in politics, education and for his courage to fight for a better life despite the circumstances he was born into

Notables and accomplishments:
--Was born into slavery and still became the first African-American to serve a full term in the Senate
--Used his political platform to fight for racial equality, improving race relations and exposing corruption and fraud in federal elections --Started one of the first schools for Black children after his master (who was also his father) freed him, and eventually opened more schools
--Was the presiding officer over the RNC twice, and was able to receive nominations for vice president both times
--Twice served as a Register to the US Treasury --Posthumously had his photo commissioned and hung in the US Capitol --Was the first African-American to have their signature printed on US currency
--Tried to desegregate the Army during his time in the Senate
--Was posthumously named as one of the 100 most successful African-Americans --Was named as a trustee of Howard University

Research resources and further reading links: Senate | Britannica | Biography | Congress Bio Guide | BlackPast | Wikipedia

Excerpt: "It will not accord with the laws of nature or history to brand colored people a race of cowards. On more than one historic field, beginning in 1776 and coming down to this centennial year of the Republic, they have attested in blood their courage as well as a love of liberty. I ask Senators to believe that no consideration of fear or personal danger has kept us quiet and forbearing under the provocations and wrongs that have so sorely tried our souls. But feeling kindly toward our white fellow-citizens, appreciating the good purposes and politics of the better classes, and, above all, abhorring a war of races, we determined to wait until such time as an appeal to the good sense and justice of the American people could be made. The sober American judgment must obtain in the South as elsewhere in the Republic, that the only distinction upon which parties can be safely organized and in harmony with our institutions are differences of opinion relative to principles and policy of government, and that differences of religion nationality, or race can neither with safety nor propriety be permitted for a moment to enter into the party contests of the day. The unanimity with which the colored voters act with a party is not referable to any race prejudice on their pan. On the contrary, they invite the political cooperation of their white brethren, and vote as a unit because proscribed as such. They deprecate the establishment of the color line by the opposition, not only because the act is unwise and wrong in principle, but because it isolates them from the white men of the South, and forces them, in sheer self-protection and against their inclination, to act seemingly upon the basis of a race prejudice that they neither respect nor entertain. As a class they are free from prejudices, and have no uncharitable suspicions against their white fellow-citizens, whether native born or settlers from the Northern States. They not only recognize the equality of citizenship and the right of every man to hold, without proscription any position of honor and trust to which the confidence of the people may elevate him; but owing nothing to race, birth, or surroundings, they, above all other classes in the community, are interested to see prejudices drop out of both politics and the business of the country, and success in life proceed only upon the integrity and merit of the man who seeks it. . . . But withal, as they progress in intelligence and appreciation of the dignity of their prerogatives as citizens, they, as an evidence of growth begin to realize the significance of the proverb, "When thou doest well for thyself, men shall praise thee”; and are disposed to exact the same protection and concession of rights that are conferred upon other citizens by the Constitution, and that, too, without the humiliation involved in the enforced abandonment of their political convictions." --An excerpt from Blanche Kelso Bruce's speech to investigate Mississippi election practices