On August 12, 1890, the Mississippi Constitutional Convention began. This convention was convened to draft a new state constitution, largely in response to the growing racial tensions and the desire to disenfranchise African Americans and reduce their political power. The resulting constitution, which was adopted on November 1, 1890, introduced measures such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and other voter qualification requirements designed to effectively disenfranchise black voters. These provisions, combined with the overarching goal of white supremacy, contributed to the systemic suppression of African American political participation in Mississippi for many decades. The impact of this constitution was profound, shaping the state’s political landscape for much of the 20th century.