WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced legislation to rename the Petersburg Post Office after John Mercer Langston, a Louisa County native, and 19th century attorney, abolitionist, educator and politician.

Langston attended Oberlin College and studied law following his graduation. At 24, he became the first Black American to be admitted to the bar in the state of Ohio. Langston went on to serve as the founding dean of the law school at Howard University before becoming the first president of what is now Virginia State University. In 1888, Langston ran to represent Virginia’s 4^th district in the U.S. House of Representatives. After originally losing the race, Langston contested the results of the election due to voter intimidation and fraud. After an 18-month legal battle, the House of Representatives declared Langston the rightful winner, and he took his seat as the first Black congressman from Virginia.

“John Mercer Langston was a pioneer. His contributions to the Commonwealth and the Petersburg area have inspired generations of African-Americans,” said Sen. Warner. “I am proud to mark his contributions to the Commonwealth and I know that his legacy will be remembered and honored by Virginians for years to come.”  

“John Mercer Langston was a trailblazer, becoming one of the first African-Americans in the U.S. elected to public office in 1855 and the first African-American elected to Congress from Virginia in 1890,” said Sen. Kaine. “He paved the way for generations of African-Americans, and I’m proud to introduce this bill to rename the Petersburg Post Office in his name.”

Companion legislation, introduced by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), passed through the House of Representatives earlier this year. 

A copy of the legislation is available here.

###