Category Archives: The More That You Know..

“On August 12, 1937 FDR nominated Hugo Black, a former KKK member, to the Supreme Court. After Black’s appointment, constitutional limits on the power of Congress to regulate the economy were no longer enforced. The original intent of the founders … Continue reading →

On this day in history, July 13, 1868, Republican lieutenant governor Oscar Dunn was elected. Dunn was the 1st black person to hold the position in the state. Dunn, who was born a slave, educated himself by reading letters and … Continue reading →

On July 4, 1875, Republican Congressman John Mercer Langston delivered a speech during an Independence Day celebration at Hillsdale near Washington, D.C. He appeared with Frederick Douglass. During his speech Langston said, “Self-respect presupposes self-reliance. Do we respect ourselves? Then … Continue reading →

“On this day in history, June 21, 1832, Republican Congressman Joseph Hayne Rainey was born. Congressman Rainey, who was born a slave, was the 1st black man to serve in the U.S. Congress. Rainey, who represented South Carolina’s 1st district, … Continue reading →

“On this day in history, May 15, 1905, Republican Congressman Josiah T. Walls died. He was 63 years old. Congressman Walls, who was born a slave, was the 1st black man elected from Florida. Walls, who was elected from Florida’s … Continue reading →

“On April 13, 1873, on Easter Sunday, 150 black and 2 white men were killed during the Colfax Massacre in Colfax, Louisana. After the Democrats lost a hotly contested race for governor of Louisiana, the Ku Klux Klan and a … Continue reading →

“On this day in history, April 21, 1926, Republican Congressman George W. Murray died. He was 73 years old. Congressman Murray, who was born a slave and represented South Carolina’s 1st district, is known for his effort to stop Democrat … Continue reading →