Hiram Rhodes Revels was a Republican politician, minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and college administrator. His attributes towards the struggle for equality includes being the first African American to serve in either house of the U.S. Congress. During the Civil War, he organized two regiments of the United States Colored Troops and also served as chaplain. After serving in politics, he was appointed as the first president of Alcorn Agriculture and Mechanical College, which is now Alcorn State University, a historical black college. Reverend Revels became a minister after studying religion at Knox College. After school, he became a minister within the Methodist Episcopal Church. During his life he became an Elder within the Methodist Church and founded schools for black children. As a politician Revels strongly supported racial equality. He served on the Committee of Education and Labor. He served as editor of the newspaper, Southwestern Christian Advocate, which was produced by the Methodist Church.
More Info
Church Affiliation:African Methodist Episcopal Church
Role in the Movement:Hiram Rhodes Revels was a Republican politician, minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and college administrator.
Birth Place:Fayetteville, Cumberland Co., N.C.
Born Date:September 27, 1827
Deceased Date:January 16, 1901
Place Lived as Adult:Ohio; Baltimore, MD; Washington, DC; Natchez, MS
Church Location:Baltimore, MD and Natchez, MS