Final answer:
During Reconstruction, over 2,000 African American men occupied political offices, making the statement true. They faced significant adversity but contributed to social advances and a focus on welfare. However, their political presence declined after the end of Reconstruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
During Reconstruction, many Black individuals indeed grew into political roles within their communities, making Option 1: True. By the end of this era in 1877, over 2,000 African American men had served in positions ranging from local Levee Commissioner to United States Senator. However, when white Democrats regained power in the South post-Reconstruction, almost all African American officeholders lost their positions and Black Politics did not see a significant resurgence until much later in the twentieth century.
Despite facing severe adversity, including violence from groups like the Ku Klux Klan, African American men and women remained politically active. Notable figures include Hiram Revels, the first black U.S. Senator from Mississippi, and Blanche K. Bruce, also a senator from Mississippi. Their educational backgrounds, which were atypical for the majority of African Americans at the time, helped facilitate their rise to prominent positions.
Moreover, the participation of African Americans in politics during Reconstruction did not just include high offices but extended to various local and state positions, significantly contributing to social improvements and a focus on the welfare of the disadvantaged in the South.