Occupation – Politician – Legislator

John Leerdam (1961- )
John Leerdam is an Afro-Dutch politician and theater director. Leerdam was born to African-descended parents on July 23, 1961 in...
December 18th, 2018

Robert G. Clark Jr. (1928- )
Robert George Clark Jr. was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1967. He was the first African American elected to the Mississippi State Legislature...
October 26th, 2018

Killion Munzele Munyama (1961- )
The second person of African descent to be elected to the lower house of Poland’s Parliament (called Sejm) was Killion M. Munyama, born...
August 28th, 2018

James W. Mason (1841–1874)
James W. Mason of Chicot County, Arkansas, was the first documented African American postmaster in the United States. Mason also...
August 31st, 2016

Mercedes Frias (1962- )
Politician and immigrant and women’s rights advocate Mercedes Lourdes Frias was born in the municipality of San Antonio de Guerra,...
January 8th, 2014

Peggy Joan Maxie (1936-2024)
Peggy Joan Maxie was the first black woman elected to public office in Washington State. She served as Washington State...
February 2nd, 2009

Eric Pettigrew (1960- )
Eric Pettigrew is the former Washington State Representative for the 37th Legislative District representing Southeast Seattle, Washington and its suburbs. ...
January 3rd, 2009

Rosa Franklin (1927- )
Rosa Franklin is the first black woman elected to the Washington State Senate, serving the 29th Legislative District in the...
December 6th, 2008

William Hooper Councill (1849-1909)
William Hooper Councill, educator and race leader, was born into slavery in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on July 12, 1849. His...
June 1st, 2008