112th Congress, 2nd Session
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.
April 28, 1941
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that African Americans were entitled to interstate railroad accommodations equal to white passengers. Representative Arthur Mitchell, the only African-American Congressman of the era and the first black Democrat elected to Congress, successfully argued the case before the Supreme Court along with another Chicago lawyer
Sign up for monthly e-mail updates on House art and history.
Privacy Policy >>
House LegislationHave students search the highlight dates and locate reference to any legislative document (bill, resolution, speech, etc.). Ask students to track down the document at a local depository library. Students should research the historical background of the document and make a brief presentation which includes reading all or portions of the document aloud. To locate a nearby federal depository library go to http://catalog.gpo.gov.
Get More Tips & Resources >>