Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Early African American Senators
Find out about some African-American politicians who won election to the Texas Senate and served during the time of Reconstruction in Texas.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1870s: William H. Holland
Read a brief bio on William H. Holland, a man born into slavery who not only fought in the Civil War but also involved in politics and working to advance African Americans during the Reconstruction. Read about some of his work as a Texas...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1870s: Matthew Gaines
Read about Matthew Gaines, an African American state senator from Texas during Reconstruction. Learn about where he stood on issues such as integrated education and taxation of specific groups, and why he was removed from office.
Other
Postbellum African American Society and Culture: Black Migration
From the Encyclopedia of American Social History. Read about the black migration to the West, primarily Kansas and Oklahoma after the end of Reconstruction and the institution of black codes in the South.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1860s: George T. Ruby
Read about George T. Ruby, an African American politician from Texas during Reconstruction.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1880s: Elias Mayes
Elias Mayes was was an African American legislator in Texas during Reconstruction. Read about the committees he served on, his view on segregation, and some of the problems he faced.