Biographical Sidebar:
Hiram Revels and
Blanche K. Bruce

During his term in the Senate (1875-81), he worked to obtain federal aid for economic development in Mississippi.

A staunch defender of black civil rights, Bruce also spoke eloquently in opposition to the 1878 law prohibiting Chinese immigrants from entering the United States.

Bruce remained in Washington after his term expired, holding a succession of government appointments.

His wife, Josephine, who had been the first black teacher in the Cleveland public schools, went on to serve as Woman Principal of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.