Bruce, Blanche Kelso
1841-1898 · Contribution: 1875-1881
Law & Civil Rights
First African American elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate; first Black senator to preside over the chamber

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Quick facts
- Born
- 1841-1898
- Category
- Law & Civil Rights
Impact on the world
Bruce rose from bondage to the U.S. Senate in little more than a decade, achieving a full term and presiding role that no Black American would match again for nearly a century.
An alternative history
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Sources
- Primary recordFind
U.S. Senate Historical Office
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