Massachusetts State Legislature Edward G. Walker



construction in bay (1870) commonwealth avenue flanking tree-lined mall.


on tuesday, november 6, 1866, claude august crommelin remarked in diary otherwise quiet election day:



only election of 2 colored men representatives in state legislature made noise here , gave sufficient matter conversation, first election of kind. messrs. mitchell , walker first of despised race called post such one. , combination of circumstances has caused mr. walker representing beacon street , commonwealth avenue makes case more special.



as men began one-year terms in 1867, reconstruction following end of civil war underway. passage of 13th, 14th, , 15th amendments constitution had resulted in abolition of slavery in 1865, granting of full citizenship , protection of law freedmen in 1868, , granting suffrage african-american men vote , hold public office in 1870. @ same time, states drafting laws recognize new status of freedmen.


during term legislator, walker opposed many of approaches developed fellow state republicans. did not nominate him second term. joined democratic party, 1 of many boston african americans switch parties due dissatisfaction republicans. because of prominence in community, drew other african americans him democrats.








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