Perry H. Carson

Perry H. Carson (13 April 1842 – 31 October 1909), known as Colonel Carson, was a prominent African-American political leader in Washington, D.C. in the late 19th century. He was called the "silver haired giant," and his reputation was to have rattled the whites and elite blacks of Washington. Known as the voice of the working black Washingtonians, Perry spoke out for his people, acted upon his beliefs, and represented low-income black residents at multiple Republican National Conventions.

Background

In 1842, Perry H. Carson was born free in Princess Anne, Somerset County, Maryland. As a teenager in Baltimore, Maryland, Carson assisted abolitionists as they aided fleeing slaves. He was arrested, but later released. Beginning in 1864, Carson supported the Union war effort by doing odd jobs for the army, and ultimately became a volunteer. Carson was particularly noticeable in the city for his unique physique. Standing over six feet tall, weighing around 235 pounds, and weighing his signature silver hair, Carson was known as the 'Tall Black Oak of the Potomac'.

Political life With a desire to act and make a difference in the lives of the black Washingtonians, Carson organized the "Boys in Blue," a regiment of local black men to defend the black residents from the nearby Irish men that saw the working class blacks as a threat to their own jobs and freedom. This regiment gave Perry Carson the name of "Colonel." The local black regiment was once just an idea, however as the people heard of Carson's plan, they supported it and the plan was adopted. Calling on the local black people, Carson expressed his intention for 1,500 colored men filled with patriotism to come out and meet with the selection committee and Carson himself. Carson was named the president the Blaine Invincible Republican Club. Carson used his influence as one of the city's foremost Republicans to become the District's representative to the Republican National Convention. Carson served as the city's delegate from 1880 to 1900. In one of the times of selecting a delegate to go to the convention, a tribute to Perry Carson was submitted to the Washington Post. The writer proclaimed that no other delegate could hold the same amount of influence as Perry who had attended the conventions many times and was regarded as "the most influential of his race," and "a leader in every effort for the benefit and advancement of his people." Perry Carson was known to be "deeply interested in the prosperity of our city and can be depended upon to advance its interest in every way," therefore gaining a supportive backing from the black working class. The Emancipation Day celebration grew under Carson's supervision.

At the age of 65, Carson faced political pressure to resign his post in the commissioner government of the District. The sitting commissioners hoped to remove a potential political opponent by pushing Carson to resign. In response to demands to take a pay cut, Carson retired from the political arena. Just a year and a half later, the Colonel caught pneumonia and died in his house in the District. When he died in 1909, even his enemies called him an "intrepid fighter."