George H. White

Date of Birth: December 18, 1852

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: December 28, 1918

Biography

George Henry White was an influential American politician, attorney, and educator, best known for being the last African American Congressman of the Reconstruction era. Born on December 18, 1852, in Rosindale, North Carolina, White’s early life was marked by his dedication to education and justice. He attended Howard University and became a school principal before earning his law degree and entering politics. White served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, the North Carolina Senate, and later, the U.S. House of Representatives, representing North Carolina’s 2nd district from 1897 to 1901. Throughout his career, White was a staunch advocate for civil rights, education, and economic opportunities for African Americans. After leaving Congress, he continued his work as an attorney and founded an all-Black town in New Jersey, Whitesboro, aimed at offering African Americans a place to thrive away from the racial oppression of the South.

5 Interesting Facts about George H. White

1. George H. White was the last African American to serve in Congress during the post-Reconstruction era until 1929.

2. He delivered a famous farewell address to Congress in 1901, predicting the future return of African Americans to Congress.

3. White founded Whitesboro, New Jersey, a town intended as a safe haven for Black families during a time of intense racial discrimination.

4. He was a co-founder of the National Afro-American Council, an early civil rights organization.

5. White was also an advocate for anti-lynching legislation and worked tirelessly to introduce bills aimed at protecting African Americans from racial violence.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George H. White

1. “This, Mr. Chairman, is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary farewell to the American Congress; but let me say, Phoenix-like he will rise up some day and come again.”

2. “I cannot live in North Carolina and be a man.”

3. “I am thinking of the Negro’s future, not of his past.”

4. “I plead for the protection of our lives, our liberties, and our property.”

5. “I am here to do a man’s duty, and I will not be deterred by threats or any other form of intimidation.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George H. White’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his legacy and contributions to civil rights and African American communities remain invaluable.