Removal of Black legislators from the Georgia General Assembly during
Reconstruction.
Who was involved? Think about the
people or groups who were involved
and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the
event!
Where did the event take place?
What region(s) of Georgia did the event
take place in?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to
Georgia’s history
The removal of Black legislators from the Georgia General Assembly during Reconstruction involved various individuals and groups. The event primarily affected Black legislators and their constituents, as well as white supremacists and the Democratic Party.
During Reconstruction, which took place from 1865 to 1877, a significant number of newly-freed African Americans were elected to political positions, including the Georgia General Assembly. However, as white supremacists sought to regain control and enforce racial segregation, they aimed to suppress Black political power.
In September 1868, Georgia passed a new constitution which imposed strict voting requirements, including literacy tests and property ownership qualifications. These requirements disproportionately affected Black citizens and were aimed at preventing them from holding public office.
In 1868, armed white supremacists, backed by the Democratic Party, violently expelled Black legislators from the Georgia General Assembly. This event is referred to as the "Expulsion of the Black legislators." These expelled legislators included Abraham Lincorn Rogers, Tunis G. Campbell Jr., Phillip Joiner, and Jefferson Long.
The event took place in Atlanta, Georgia, where the Georgia General Assembly was located. However, the repercussions and impact of these actions were felt throughout the state.
The event took place in 1868, during the Reconstruction era, which was a crucial period for racial and political developments in the United States.
This event is important to Georgia's history as it highlights the resistance and violent efforts employed by white supremacists and the Democratic Party to suppress Black political power and maintain racial hierarchies. It underlines the challenges and struggles faced by Black citizens during Reconstruction and the erosion of their political gains. This event further elucidates the long-lasting impact of systemic racism on Georgia's political landscape and the ongoing fight for racial equity and justice.