On this date in 1868, Oscar J. Dunn, a former slave, formally installed as lieutenant governor of Louisiana, the highest elective officer held to date by an American Black. Antoine Dubuclet was installed as state treasurer.

Oscar J. Dunn was a remarkable figure in American history, particularly in the Reconstruction era. His installation as lieutenant governor of Louisiana marked a major achievement for Black Americans during a time of considerable racial tension and change. Dunn was born a slave but rose to prominence in New Orleans, later becoming an influential political figure after the Civil War.

Antoine Dubuclet, who was installed as state treasurer of Louisiana alongside Dunn, was another significant figure. Dubuclet was a former enslaved person who also became successful and prominent in post-war Louisiana politics.

Their roles demonstrated the expanding political power of Black Americans during Reconstruction, even though that progress faced significant resistance in the years that followed.