MS SC555

Commemorates the 150th anniversary of Hiram Rhodes Revels' election as the first African American to serve in the United States Senate, serving from February 1870 to March 1871.

Recognizes Revels' career progression from skilled barber to ordained African Methodist Episcopal Church pastor, Union Army chaplain during the Siege of Vicksburg, and Natchez Alderman.

Honors his election to the Mississippi State Senate as a Republican and subsequent unanimous Republican nomination to fill the remainder of U.S. Senator Albert Brown's term, sworn in February 25, 1870.

Acknowledges his Senate priorities including advocacy for African American civil rights, political representation, school segregation rejection, and freedmen education, and his later role as first President of Alcorn University.

Resolution to be presented at Alcorn State University's Oakland Chapel on February 24, 2020, with copies distributed to Revels' descendants and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.