ms. elliott: who is the first african-american in the house? mr. wasniewski: the first to speak on the floor while the house was in session is a man who was elected, but never seated. he was elected in 1868. his election was contested, and that is the story that runs throughout the 19th century for so many of these african-american members who were elected to congress. their election was challenged in a number of them had that experience. in february 1869, he was allowed to speak on the house floor to defend himself and his contested election case. the house chose not to seek him or his opponent and he never was seated. but he won the election. the first african-american elected to the house and seated in the house is joseph rainey of south carolina. following him another 19 african-american members throughout the course of the 19th century. rainey was not the first african-american in congress. that distinction went to hiram rebels of mrs. b, and was it by the -- of mississippi. he came into congress in early 1870. but when you think about that re