The Last Time Mississippi had a Black U.S. Senator was 1881

With your help, we can make history by electing Mike Espy to the U.S. Senate this November.

By Jackie Amos, Director of Outreach

Throughout our country’s history, there have only been a total of 10 Black U.S. Senators. But you might be surprised to learn that the first two — Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce — were from Mississippi. They were elected in the 1800s. With your help, we can make history by electing Mike Espy to the be the third this November.

During Reconstruction, Black Mississippians had real power. In addition to two senators, Black Mississippians were elected up and down the ballot: Sheriffs, mayors, congressmen. In fact, between 1867 and 1876, 226 Black Mississippians held public office — compared to only 46 in Arkansas and 20 in Tennessee.

Once Reconstruction ended, then came Black Codes, Jim Crow, and other systems of oppression that made it difficult for Black Misissippians to be elected to statewide and national offices. Mississippi hasn’t seen a Black U.S. Senator since 1881.

Despite this, the state currently has the highest number of Black elected officials in the country. And now more than ever, Mississippians are demanding change and leaders who represent everyone.

It’s clear: We need more Black leaders in the United States Senate. And as Axios pointed out this week, Mike is one of five Black Democratic candidates running in the South. If we win this November, we could make history together by creating more Black representation in Washington, DC.

Let’s elect Mike Espy — a leader who will represent all Mississippians. You can help by chipping in a contribution of $10 or more before our biggest FEC deadline yet.

Thanks for reading my Medium post.