Philip Joiner facts for kids

Philip Joiner was an important leader in Georgia during a time of big changes after the American Civil War. He helped write new rules for the state and was chosen by people to represent them in the government.

Philip Joiner: A Voice for Change

Philip Joiner was a delegate, which means he was chosen to attend a special meeting in 1867. This meeting was called a constitutional convention. Its job was to create a new set of rules, or a constitution, for the state of Georgia.

Becoming a State Representative

In 1868, the people of Dougherty County elected Philip Joiner to be their representative. He was supposed to serve in the Georgia Assembly, which is like the state's law-making group.

Facing Discrimination in Office

Even though he was elected, Philip Joiner and other African American representatives were stopped from taking their seats. Other members of the Georgia Assembly did not want them to serve. This was a form of unfair treatment called discrimination.

Federal Help and Re-election

However, the United States government stepped in. In 1870, federal intervention meant that the unfair decision was overturned. This allowed Joiner and the others to finally take their rightful places. Philip Joiner was so well-liked that he was elected again for a second term!

The Camilla Incident

Just one month after being unfairly stopped from taking office, Philip Joiner became a leader. He helped organize a march from Albany, Georgia, to Camilla, Georgia. This march was part of a campaign rally for the Republican Party.

Attack at the Rally

Sadly, the rally in Camilla turned violent. People marching and attending the rally were attacked. This included the local sheriff. Many people who had recently gained their freedom, called freedmen, were hurt or killed during this attack.

Reporting the Violence

Philip Joiner bravely shared his experience and what he saw. He gave his testimony, or official statement, to the Freedmen's Bureau. This was a government agency that helped formerly enslaved people. His report went to an officer named O.H. Howard.

Remembering the Camilla Massacre

This terrible event became known as the Camilla massacre. One hundred years later, people remembered it to honor those who were affected and to teach about this important part of history.