This traveling exhibit, produced by the Arkansas State Archives and Black History Commission of Arkansas, tells the story of the eighty-five African Americans who served in the Arkansas General Assembly in the 19th century. After the Civil War, Arkansas adopted a new constitution in 1868 and its provisions included giving black males the right to vote and hold public office. African American lawyers, merchants, ministers, educators, farmers, and other professionals served in the Arkansas General Assembly. Photographs of forty-six of the eighty-five legislators are an integral part of this exhibit's display. Also featured is a complete listing of the legislators and a short history of post-Civil War and election law that effectively ended African Americans' election to legislative positions until the 1970s.

This exhibit consists of 8 banner stands. The extended banner stands on display are each 87"H x 35"W x 10"D. The collapsed banner stands in their individual cases for transport are each 37"L x 11"W x 4"D. A literature stand that attaches to the base of the first banner stand is available for this exhibit. Plastic rulers listing the African Americans who served in the Arkansas State Legislators between 1868 and 1893 are also available at no cost to educators.