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

Law & Civil Rights: collage image
Law & Civil Rights

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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

  1. Primary record

    U.S. Senate Historical Office

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