What role did blacks play in southern political life during reconstruction

I think that during reconstrution many of them didnt have any money so they were probaly trying to get some, also they were trying to reconnect with there family members who were taken away from them and they were trying to protect themselves againist white people mistreatment though they were "free" they still suffered.

In the midwest because it has more moderate climate than the north or south west which makes farming far easier.