Introduction
In this chapter you have read about the rebuilding of the South and the work of bringing the nation together. This period also saw changes in the lives of African Americans. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. The Freedmen's Bureau provided food, medical services, and schools to many of the newly freed African Americans. For the first time African American men were allowed to vote and hold elected office. In this activity you will take a closer look at the first African American members of the United States Congress.

Destination Title: History of African Americans in Congress

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Directions
Start at the History of African Americans in Congress home page.

• Click on First Steps to Representation.
• Scroll down and begin reading at "Blacks Enter the Congress in 1870."
• Click back to the first page.
• Click on and read about The First African-American Senator.

After reading the entries answer the following questions.