Jefferson Franklin Long

Congressman Jefferson Long, born into slavery, was the first Black representative of Georgia and the only Black American to represent Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives during Reconstruction. He served for one session of the 41st Congress (January 1871-March 1871), but distinguished himself by being the first Black representative to address the U.S. House of Representatives. He gave a speech in opposition to a bill that would modify the oath required of former Confederates, allowing them to qualify for public office.