21 notable African American firsts in politics
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PHOTOS: 16 notable African American inventors and entrepreneurs
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Leaders who broke barriers as lawmakers, governors and president.
Hiram R. Revels In 1870, Hiram R. Revels became the first African American to serve in Congress, as a Republican senator representing the state of Mississippi. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
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From the first Oscar for an actress in a supporting role to the first singer to win Grammys in three categories, these men and women broke boundaries.