Subjects – De Priest, Oscar
The birth and career of Representative Oscar S. De Priest of Illinois
March 09, 1871
On this date, Oscar Stanton De Priest, the first African American elected to Congress during the 20th century, was born.
Representative Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., of New York
November 29, 1908
On this date, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., the first African American to represent New York in Congress, was born.
A historic change in the Oath of Office
April 15, 1929
On this date, Speaker Nicholas Longworth of Ohio changed the tradition of swearing in new Members by state delegations to swearing in all Members simultaneously.
Representative Oscar De Priest of Illinois and the Member’s Dining Room
January 23, 1934
On this date, Representative Oscar De Priest of Illinois introduced a resolution to end Jim Crow discrimination in the House Restaurant.
Representative Arthur Mitchell of Illinois wins the general election defeating incumbent Oscar De Priest
November 07, 1934
On this date, Arthur Mitchell defeated Oscar De Priest in the general election for the First District of Illinois to become the first African-American Democrat elected to Congress.