1865 South Carolina State Convention of Colored People facts for kids

The 1865 South Carolina State Convention of Colored People was an important meeting for African American civil rights leaders. It happened right after slavery ended (called emancipation) and the Civil War finished. The convention took place from November 20 to 25, 1865, at the Zion Church in Charleston, South Carolina. During this meeting, delegates talked about many changes they wanted to see. By the end, they created three important documents: the "Address of the State Convention," the "Declaration of Rights and Wrongs," and the "Memorial to Congress."

Why the Convention Was Held

Meetings for African Americans

After the Civil War, many meetings were happening across the Southern states. These meetings were meant to help states rejoin the United States and get ready for new elections. However, African Americans were not allowed to be part of these official meetings.

To make sure their voices were heard, African Americans organized their own special meetings. These were called "colored people's conventions." The 1865 South Carolina Convention was one of these important gatherings.

Who Attended the Convention?

At the 1865 South Carolina Convention, 52 African American delegates came together. They traveled from all over the state to discuss important issues. They also wanted to plan for changes that would help their communities.

The state committee of the convention wrote a letter to the white people of South Carolina. This letter, called the "Address of the State Convention," explained their worries. It highlighted that African Americans were not included in talks about how the state would rejoin the country. They strongly demanded that African Americans should have the same rights as all other Americans.

Convention Leaders and Their Roles

The convention was led by President Thomas M. Holmes. Jacob Mills, J.J. Wright, and W.M. Simmons served as vice presidents. Besides these leaders, a state central committee was formed. There were also smaller committees for money matters and daily business.

The main job of the state central committee was to look after the general interests of African American people. This committee also had the power to call another statewide convention whenever they felt it was needed.

What the Convention Achieved

African Americans at the convention talked about many ideas for a better future. They wanted to create good schools in every neighborhood across South Carolina. They also discussed ways to make sure children attended school regularly. The delegates aimed to improve life for their communities. They also wanted to find ways to protect each other and help the state's industries grow.

After much discussion, the committee passed a resolution. This resolution was about keeping good relationships between former enslaved people and their former enslavers. Some delegates believed it was important to move past the anger of slavery. They felt that slavery was in the past and that African Americans should work towards peace and unity among all people.

By the end of the convention, three key documents were approved and shared:

• The "Address of the State Convention" was sent to the people of South Carolina.
• The "Memorial to Congress" was sent to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
• The "Declaration of Rights and Wrongs" outlined their demands for equal rights.