Warner, Kaine introduce Senate bill to rename post office for first Black Congressman in Virginia

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine introduced legislation today to rename the Petersburg Post Office after John Mercer Langston, a Louisa County native, and 19th century attorney, abolitionist, educator and politician.

In early 2024, companion legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan passed through the House of Representatives.

Langston attended Oberlin College and studied law after 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 District 4 in the U.S. House of Representatives, the district now represented by McClellan, the first Black woman to represent a Virginian District in Congress. After originally losing the race, Langston contested the results of the election on grounds of 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,” Warner said. “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.”

Kaine called Langston “a trailblazer” for “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. 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.”