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Emanuel S. Clenlans facts for kids

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Emanuel S. Clenlans
Born c1841
Occupation Postal Clerk
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Ophelia Clenlans

Emmanuel S. Clenlans was an important civil rights activist and postal worker in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born around 1841 in Washington, D.C. Emmanuel married a woman named Ophelia, and they had a daughter named Laura.

Working for Civil Rights

Emmanuel Clenlans was very active in the fight for equal rights for African Americans.

Early Meetings

In 1876, Clenlans was part of the Nebraska Convention of Colored Americans. These were big meetings where African Americans came together to discuss important issues and plan how to gain equal rights. Emmanuel Clenlans helped write the important statements that came out of these meetings.

A few years later, in 1879, he helped organize another meeting in Omaha. This meeting was led by Cyrus D. Bell and Dr. W. H. C. Stephenson. Emmanuel Clenlans served as the secretary. The goal of this meeting was to share the political ideas of the Black community in Omaha. They decided it was important for African Americans to think for themselves politically, rather than always supporting just one political party.

Political Involvement

Even though he supported independent political thinking, Emmanuel Clenlans was also involved with the Republican Party. In 1888, he was chosen as a delegate for the state Republican convention. A delegate is someone who represents a group of people at a large meeting.

In 1890, Clenlans helped start the Nebraska branch of the National Afro-American League. This organization worked to improve the lives and rights of African Americans across the country. Emmanuel Clenlans was part of the committee that wrote the rules for the Nebraska branch.

His Work and Business

Besides his important work for civil rights, Emmanuel Clenlans had a long career.

Postal Service

From the 1870s until at least 1910, he worked as a clerk in the post office. This means he helped sort and deliver mail, which was a very important job at the time.

Owning a Business

Emmanuel Clenlans also owned a business. He had a Coal and Feed store with his partner, J. C. Parker. Their store was located at 1016 N 24th Street.

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