Hanford L. Gordon and Black Suffrage in Minnesota

He made sure it got done using the legislative tools at his disposal.  A very courageous and principled effort.

African American Suffrage in Minnesota, 1868

From their state's admission to the Union until the mid-1860s, a majority of Minnesotans advocated the abolition of slavery in the South. African American suffrage, however, did not enjoy the same support. Minnesota's African American citizens paid taxes, fought in wars, and fostered their communities. But they could not vote, hold political office, or serve on juries. This continued until 1868, when an amendment to the state's constitution approved suffrage for all non-white men...read more from MNopedia