In January 1870, 

 

Revels presented the opening prayer in the state legislature. That prayer made Revels a United States Senator. Fellow Mississippi legislator, John R. Lynch, later wrote. ”He made a profound impression upon all who heard him. It impressed those who heard it that Revels was not only a man of great natural ability but that he was also a man of superior attainments."  His prayer was so eloquent and inspirational, and his list of accomplishments so impressive, that—at that very meeting—he was nominated and elected to the U.S. Senate by a vote of 81 to 15.

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Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress in 1870 - representing Mississippi. Revels filled a vacant seat in the United States Senate, previously held by Jefferson Davis. Revels' presence in the Senate was a powerful symbol of progress during a time of post-Civil War aggression and racial tensions. He advocated for civil rights and education for African Americans, symbolizing the hopes of newly freed men and women striving for a more equitable and just society. His brief but impactful tenure in the Senate marked a significant step forward in the post-Civil War Reconstruction efforts. After his tenure as U.S. Senator, Revels became president of Alcorn College (now called Alcorn State University), the first land grant college for black students. 

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​Hiram R. Revels' legacy extends beyond his political career. He continued his work as a minister and educator, founding schools and promoting religious and social upliftment within the African-American community. Revels' historic election and his dedication to civil rights and education paved the way for future generations of African-American leaders in American politics and society, leaving an enduring mark on the struggle for racial equality in the United States.

In honoring and memorializing Hiram R. Revels, we pay tribute not only to his personal accomplishments but also to the broader struggle for racial equality. He stood as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities, demonstrating that barriers could be broken, and change was possible even during challenging times. Revels' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the American story and inspires continued efforts toward a more just and equal society for all.