U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for February 7

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following isthe daily Black History Month feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7: FIRST BLACK MEMBER OF U.S. HOUSE

Profile America for the seventh day of Black History Month.Joseph Hayne Rainey was born into slavery in Georgetown, SouthCarolina. His father however, was able to buy his family's freedom,and young Joseph followed his father into a successful business as abarber. When the Civil War broke out, Rainey escaped to Bermuda withhis family. Returning to Georgetown in 1866, he entered Republicanparty politics. In 1870, he was elected to fill a vacant seat in theU.S. House of Representatives, created when that body refused toseat his predecessor. This made Rainey the first black to serve inthe U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected to the next fourcongresses. In the just ended 111th Congress, there were 42 African-American members. This special edition of Profile America is apublic service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2010, p. 600

http://baic.house.gov/historical-data/representatives-senators-by-congress.html?congress=111

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 395

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office ofthe U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available asproduced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internetat http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the"Newsroom" button). For further information, contact Rick Reed: 301-763-2812; fax: 301-763-3762; or e-mail: rreed-at-census.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau