southern radical Republicans

Mobilized in Mobile

From The New-York Times May 4, 1867:

Colored Convention in Mobile.

MOBILE, Ala., Friday, May 3.

A colored mass convention of the State has been in session here for two days, and adjourned to day. The delegates stated that the negroes, in many instances have been cheated out of their earnings, molested and badly treated in the districts they represent; but in some places they were treated well. The Convention declared itself radical. …

The convention resolved to become part of the Republican party after declaring that the political oppressors of the blacks tried to keep them out of the Republican party. The convention endorsed the actions of the area’s military commanders – Generals Pope and Swayne. It called for a standing army to protect black rights and was especially opposed to ex-slaves being terminated from employment for their political views. The convention called for inter-racial peace. It also called for schools, military courts to try violations of the Civil Rights bill, and a Union League in every county.

The following additional resolution was then adopted:

“That it is our undeniable right to hold office, sit on juries, ride in all public conveyances, sit at public tables and visit places of public amusement.”

federal presence about three years earlier