From slave to state legislator : John W. E. Thomas, Illinois' first African American lawmaker /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author:	Joens, David A., 1961-
Format:	eBook
Language:	English
Published:	Carbondale : Southern Illinois University Press, [2012]
Subjects:	Thomas, John W. E. > (John William Edinburgh), > 1847-1899. Legislators > Illinois > Biography. African American legislators > Illinois > Biography. Illinois > Race relations > History > 19th century. Illinois > Politics and government > 1865-1950. Electronic books.
Online Access:	Connect to the full text of this electronic book

Table of Contents:

Introduction: "A representative of its colored citizens"
"Let us come out like men": the historic election of 1876
"An able, attentive, and sensible representative": the first term and a failed reelection bid
"Justly entitled to representation": the long road back to the legislature
"Advising moderation in all things": the 1883 legislative session and colored convention
"We are here as citizens": reelection, the Civil Rights Bill, and another colored convention
"By no means an unimportant position": election to the office of South Town clerk in 1887
"You ought not insult the colored people!" a final bid for the state legislature
"Forget personal grievances": uniting the community as elder statesman
Conclusion: "leader of the colored race is dead".