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

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Joens, David A., 1961-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

African American legislators--Illinois--Biography.

African American legislators.

Legislators--Illinois--Biography.

Legislators.

Illinois--Politics and government--1865-1950.

Illinois.

Illinois--Race relations--History--19th century.

Thomas, John W. E. (John William Edinburgh), 1847-1899.

Thomas, John W. E.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (291 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Carbondale : Southern Illinois University Press, c2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

"This is a full-length political biography of John W. E. Thomas (1847-1899), the first African American to serve in the Illinois General Assembly and the leading Illinois African American politician in the years after the Civil War. Long forgotten by the public and historians alike, Thomas led a fascinating career which included opening the first school for African Americans in Chicago, serving three terms in the Illinois General Assembly, successfully passing the first Civil Rights Act in Illinois, and chairing two Illinois "colored conventions" in the 1880s. In addition to his career as a politician, Thomas was also a school teacher, businessman, attorney and real estate investor"-- Provided by publisher.

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".

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-280-69730-X

9786613674265

0-8093-3060-1

OCLC:

784953409