The U.S. Senate has played a significant role in Black history, especially considering the historical lack of representation of African Americans in that legislative body.

The first Black senators in U.S. history were Hiram Rhodes Revels and Blanche K. Bruce, who both represented Mississippi during the Reconstruction era. Revels was the first Black person to serve in the U.S. Senate, filling the seat vacated by Jefferson Davis in 1870. He served for a year before returning to work in education and the ministry. Blanche K. Bruce followed Revels in 1875 and served a full term.

Despite the brief period of Black representation during Reconstruction, there was a significant gap before the next African American senators were elected. It wasn't until the 20th century that more Black senators were elected, including Edward Brooke from Massachusetts, the first popularly elected African American senator, and Carol Moseley Braun from Illinois, the first Black woman to serve in the Senate.

More recently, notable Black senators include Cory Booker from New Jersey and Kamala Harris from California. Harris, who was also elected Vice President under President Joe Biden in 2020, is the first Black woman, first person of South Asian descent, and first woman vice president in U.S. history.

Overall, the history of Black senators in the U.S. Senate reflects the broader struggles for racial equality and representation in American politics, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain.