October 1865

Across the South in fall 1865, Black men held state-level Colored People's Conventions to demand equal rights before the law, suffrage, and access to public education. The South Carolina convention sent a petition to Congress signed by hundreds. These conventions demonstrated Black political organization and leadership in the immediate post-war period, predating formal Reconstruction legislation.

Across the South in fall 1865, Black men held state Colored People's Conventions to demand equal rights, suffrage, and public education. The South Carolina convention sent a petition to Congress signed by hundreds. These gatherings demonstrated Black political organization and leadership before formal Reconstruction legislation.