1879: Blanche Kelso Bruce was first Black American to preside over Senate
Written by Black Hot Fire Network on February 14, 2024
Feb. 14, 1879
A portrait of former U.S. Sen. Blanche Kelso Bruce hangs in the Senate Gallery. The portrait by Simmie Lee Knox is based on a Matthew Brady photograph. Credit: Courtesy of U.S. Senate
Blanche Kelso Bruce became the first Black American to preside over the U.S. Senate. He was also the first Black American to serve a full term in the Senate and later the first Black American to win any votes at a major party’s nominating convention.
After escaping from slavery during the Civil War, he attempted to enlist in . . .
