Politics
Darrin Williams elected first black speaker of Arkansas
Monday, March 12, 2012
Arkansas speaker-designate., Darrin Williams. PHOTO/File
Arkansas legislators have elected a new speaker of the House. Historians say Democratic Rep. Darrin Williams is the first black speaker of the House in Arkansas.
The House is currently split 54-46 with Democrats holding the majority. Party leaders expected the speaker race to be close, but to follow party lines. The votes were cast by secret ballot.
A graduate of Central High and a Little Rock attorney, Representative Darrin Williams is now a piece of Arkansas history. While, he his proud of his accomplishment of becoming the first African-American chosen speaker-designate. Representative Darrin Williams says he wants to move past racial and party lines.
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