Oscar Stanton De Priest, the first Black member of Congress elected in the 20th century, dies in Chicago.
At a Glance
- Date
- 12 May 1951
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Key people
- Oscar De Priest
- Category
- Politics & Government
- Source
- Biographical records · U.S. House History, Art & Archives
What It Meant Then
His 1928 election broke a nearly 30-year absence of Black representation in Congress.
What It Means Now
De Priest is remembered as a pioneer of modern Black political power in the North.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Oscar De Priest Dies.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/oscar-de-priest-dies/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Oscar De Priest Dies. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/oscar-de-priest-dies/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Oscar De Priest Dies.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/oscar-de-priest-dies/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.