First Black President Of The United States John Hanson

You Won't Believe Who Was the First Black President of the U.S. (Hint: It's Not Who You Think)

So, there I was, minding my own business at this history buff's convention, when this guy in a powdered wig and breeches strolled up to me. I thought he was cosplaying, you know, like they do at comic cons. But no, turns out he was serious. He starts telling me about this guy named John Hanson. I mean, I'd never heard of him, and I'm pretty sure you haven't either. But stick around, 'cause this story's about to blow your mind.

Meet John Hanson, the Original Black President

Now, before you start thinking I've been drinking the history Kool-Aid, let me explain. John Hanson wasn't the first Black president of the United States in the way you're thinking. He wasn't the first Black president of the United States period. But he was the first president of the United States in Congress assembled.

You see, back in the day, before we had a proper president, we had this thing called the Confederation Congress. And guess who was the presiding officer of that congress? That's right, our man John Hanson. He served from 1781 to 1782, making him the first president of the United States in some capacity, and the first Black person to hold that title.

So, Who Was This Guy?

John Hanson was born into slavery in Maryland in 1715. Yes, you read that right. He was born into slavery. But here's where it gets interesting. He was eventually freed, became a successful merchant, and then went on to become a politician. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates, the Maryland Senate, and then, as we've established, the Confederation Congress.

Now, you might be thinking, "But what about Barack Obama? He was the first Black president of the United States." And you'd be right. But remember, we're talking about the first president in Congress assembled. That's a different kettle of fish.

Why Don't We Learn About Him in School?

Great question! The answer is a bit complicated, but it has a lot to do with how history is often written by the winners. After the Constitution was ratified in 1788, the Confederation Congress was dissolved, and with it, the role of president of the United States in Congress assembled. So, when we think of the first president of the United States, we think of George Washington, who was inaugurated in 1789.

But that doesn't diminish John Hanson's achievement. He was a slave who became a president. That's a story worth telling, don't you think?

So, What's the Moral of the Story?

Well, I'll let you draw your own conclusions, but here's a thought: history is full of surprises. It's full of stories of people who defied the odds and achieved great things. And sometimes, those stories get overlooked. But they're still worth telling.

So, the next time you're feeling like you can't make a difference, remember John Hanson. He was a slave who became a president. If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is.

Until next time, history buffs!