1. Reconstruction During Reconstruction African Americans had more political rights than they would have again for over 100 years. African Americans were given the right to vote. 1867 32 black legislators were elected to Georgia’s General Assembly Most prominent: Henry McNeal Turner

2. Henry Mc Neal Turner

3. St. James AME Church Turner was born on February 1, 1833, South Carolina. Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church During the Civil War was a chaplain 1867 helped organized the Republican party in Georgia 1867 Elected to Georgia’s House of Representatives

4. Henry Mc Neal Turner In 1863, as the first Negro Chaplain in the U.S. Army. Received threats from the KKK 1868 expelled from his seat in government Postmaster in Macon Black legislators constantly harassed some were killed, beaten or jailed during their term.

5. Liberia International Migration Society With the support of white businessmen from Alabama, Turner helped organize the International Migration Society to promote the return of African Americans to Africa. The IMS successfully transported three ships of African American migrants to Liberia.

6. Liberia A country of western Africa on the Atlantic Ocean. It was founded (1821) through the efforts of the American Colonization Society and settled mainly by freed slaves from 1822 to the 1860s. Liberia is the oldest independent country in Africa (established 1847). A military coup in 1980 led to a full-scale civil war in 1990. A cease-fire agreement was reached in 1996, and elections were held in 1997. Monrovia is the capital and the largest city. Population: 3,200,000.

7. Blacks in Politics 1867-first time blacks could run for office Constitutional Convention-Tunis Camplbell, and Henry McNeal Turner 1868-thirty two blacks were elected to Ga.’s General Assembly. 1868-thirty two blacks were elected to Ga.’s General Assembly. In September of 1868-twenty eight were expelled-said black not able to hold public office In September of 1868-twenty eight were expelled-said black not able to hold public office

8. BLACKS IN POLITICS By 1908 African Americans were disfranchised Not until 1962 did African Americans hold seats in Georgia’s General Assembly Most important contributions of Black legislators-Education