By Garry Blanson
GEORGE B HAMLET was the first African-American mayor of Monroe, La.
Before 2022, I was told and thought that Abe Piere was the first Black Mayor of Monroe, Louisiana. However, while doing research, I discovered that Abe Pierce wasn’t Monroe’s first Black Mayor; he was actually the first “elected” Black mayor of Monroe. According to my research, a Negro by the name of George B Hamlet holds that honor.
He was originally from Ohio, but in 1869, he moved to New Orleans. Around the next year, Hamlet made his way to Tensas parish, and according to government records, he moved to Monroe on February 3, 1873.
During Reconstruction, George B Hamlet was “appointed” by Governor William Kellogg as Monroe’s first African-American Mayor. He served for three months.
However, he was elected Ouachita Parish’s first African-American Sheriff and also elected as the Clerk of Court.
At the end of Reconstruction in Ouachita parish, he went to live in Washington D.C. where he became Chief Postal Inspector of the Post Office ( becoming the first African-American to do so.)
It was said that the people in Washington D.C. did not realize his race until he had held the post for many years. George B Hamlet died in Landover, MD January 24, 1926, leaving behind a wife and son.
During the period following the American Civil War, Negroes in Monroe, Louisiana and other parts of the U.S. experienced many social and economic advancements were active voters.
Negroes were able to elect Blacks to Congress in several states in the South & North.
Ok, Fast-forward to 2022. Currently in Monroe, Louisiana there is a sizeable number of Black males and Black females in key government positions. Also, as of 2022, the Black population in Monroe, Louisiana, is documented as between 60% – 61.3%.
Based on these numbers alone, The Black Citizens of Monroe should be able to unite, organize, and get things done to help rebuild and improve our Black Communities.
