Green Currin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Green Currin
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| Oklahoma Territorial Legislature | |
| Assumed office August 27, 1890 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1840s Tennessee |
| Died | October 21, 1918 Dover, Oklahoma |
| Political party | Republican |
Green Currin was an important leader in early Oklahoma. He was the first African American to serve in the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature. This was a special government that existed before Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Currin also tried to pass a law to protect people from unfair treatment. He was a key figure in the Land Run of 1889 and a leader in a Masonic group.
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Green Currin's Early Life
Green Currin was born in Tennessee. Records show his birth year as either 1842 or 1844. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee and Kansas before moving to Oklahoma.
In 1889, Currin took part in the famous Land Run of 1889. This event opened up new land for settlement in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma Territory.
Green Currin's Political Career
Green Currin was a member of the Republican Party. He was one of five people chosen to represent Kingfisher County in the Oklahoma Territorial House of Representatives. He officially started his job on August 27, 1890.
During his time in office, Currin wrote a special bill called House Bill 119. This bill aimed to stop violence against people because of their race. It was a very important step towards civil rights. The bill passed in the House of Representatives. However, it failed by just one vote in the Territorial Senate.
Currin decided not to run for re-election after his first term.
Masonic Order Leadership
Like many African Americans of his time, Green Currin was involved in community groups. He was a leader in the St. John Grand Lodge of the AF & AM Masonic Order of Oklahoma. This was a fraternal organization that helped its members and communities. A Masonic temple was built in Boley, Oklahoma not long before Currin passed away.
Later Life and Legacy
Green Currin continued to serve his community in many ways. He worked as a deputy U.S. marshal. He also served on the board of regents for the Colored Agricultural and Normal College. Today, this school is known as Langston University.
Currin lived to see Oklahoma become a state in 1907. He also saw the election of A. C. Hamlin to the Oklahoma Legislature. Currin was alive when a "grandfather clause" was added to the state's constitution. This rule tried to stop African Americans from voting. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later struck down this clause in 1915. This happened in a famous case called Guinn v. United States.
Green Currin died at his home in Dover, Oklahoma on October 21, 1918. He was buried in Burns cemetery. His efforts helped pave the way for future civil rights in Oklahoma.
See also
- Oklahoma Territory
- Oklahoma Legislature
- A. C. Hamlin
