The Fifteenth Amendment, 1870

African Americans celebrated the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment as another step toward equality, but the celebration was short-lived. Within ten years former Confederates had regained control of southern state governments and began to use intimidation, violence, and restrictive voter qualifications to keep African Americans from the polls.

Proclaiming Suffrage

15th Amendment Pen

Pen used by President Ulysses S. Grant to sign the presidential proclamation of the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment enfranchising African American men

Gift of Edward H. Preston

No Negro Equality

1867 Ballot

As this ballot from Ohio’s 1867 governor’s race attests, not all Americans wholeheartedly embraced equality for African Americans.

Gift of the Honorable Michael V. DiSalle in memory of Thomas H. Williams