W. H. Rogers | |
---|---|
Member of the GeorgiaHouseofRepresentatives from the McIntosh County district | |
In office 1902–1907 | |
Succeeded by | F. H. McFarlane |
Personal details | |
Nationality | American |
Political party | Republican |
Profession | Politician |
[1] [2] | |
W. H. Rogers was an American politician. He was a state legislator in Georgia and was the only African-American to serve in the 99th Georgia State Assembly. He represented McIntosh County,Georgia from 1902 until 1907. [2] [3]
Rogers was elected to represent McIntosh County,Georgia in the 99th Georgia State Assembly and took office in 1902. [2] He was the only African American serving in the 99th Assembly. His racist opponents launched a campaign against him using the slogan "Redeem McIntosh County." [4] He ran for re-election in 1904 and 1906,winning both elections. [5]
He resigned in 1907 [6] when a bill to disenfranchise African Americans passed in Georgia's legislature. [7] It was signed in 1907 by Georgia governor Hoke Smith. [7] Rogers sent his resignation letter directly to Smith. [5] [8] In 1908,the Macon Telegraph stated that Rogers would be "perhaps the last [negro] that will have had a seat in the General Assembly of Georgia." [1]
Rogers was the last African American to serve in Georgia's legislature [9] until 1963 when Leroy Johnson was elected to the Georgia Senate. [10]