Many Black politicians these days can be disappointing, and sometimes it’s hard to decipher whether they truly represent us or are just looking out for themselves! Not many will leave a legacy like that of Tunis Campbell. Here are 3 of the realest things he did as a 19th century Black politician.
#1: Fighting racist laws.
When Campbell was elected to represent in the Georgia State Constitutional Convention, he fought for constitutional changes to stop imprisonment on the basis of debt – a policy that largely affected Black people.
#2: Prioritizing his people’s needs.
Campbell created job opportunities for 200 of the formerly enslaved by cultivating a farming and fishing community in St. Catherine, where he acted as both the justice of police and the political boss.
#3: Not backing down.
He was also elected to the Georgia State Senate, but his white peers believed his Blackness disqualified him from taking his seat. He persisted anyway – even when they flashed their guns at him! He was there to serve his people and make sure that Reconstruction policies were happening in Georgia.
Our political system is corrupt and anti-Black to its core. But when a courageous politician emerges with a strong enough conviction to support his people, not just build his own power, they can bend the system to their will!