Pinchback, P.B.S. (Pinckney Benton Stewart)

1837-1921 · Contribution: 1872-1873

Law & Civil Rights

Generally credited as the first African American to serve as a U.S. state governor, taking an oath of office in Louisiana in 1872

Law & Civil Rights — collage image
Law & Civil Rights

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Quick facts

Born
1837-1921
Category
Law & Civil Rights

Impact on the world

Pinchback reached the governorship of a U.S. state during Reconstruction, a height of Black political power not approached again for a century.

Sources

  1. U.S. Senate Historical Office

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