VIRGINIA, USA — For the first time in Virginia's history, a Black lawmaker will become House of Delegates speaker, and that's not the only history being made by leaders of color in the General Assembly.
Former Gov. Douglas Wilder, a pioneer in his own right, said he's proud to see it.
"I'm continually proud of the people of Virginia who continue to show the rest of the nation that we judge people by character and not by color," he said.
Virginia's state house will soon have its first Black speaker in its more than 400-year history. After flipping control of the House, the Democratic Caucus said it unanimously elected Portsmouth Delegate Don Scott for the role.
Wilder is no stranger to charting his own path. In 1990, he made history when he became the first Black elected governor in the United States.
"There were those who said, even of my own race, that I didn't have a chance," said Wilder.
Scott's new position will also mean the first time Black lawmakers will run both chambers of Virginia's General Assembly. Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the first Black woman elected to statewide office, presides over the state Senate.
Sen. Louise Lucas became the President pro tempore in 2019, the first woman and African-American lawmaker to do so.
“I think the next step is showing what it means,” said Wilder. “What it’s done in showing this advancement. Does it make a difference? If so, how?”
Wilder said he never considered himself to be the "first Black governor elected," but rather, “an elected who happened to Black.”
He said leaders must now turn their attention to making sure they are addressing the issues affecting the people of Virginia. Wilder and Scott met for breakfast Thursday morning, according to the 92-year-old former lawmaker.
“He said he wants to have a picture of the two of us hanging in his office,” he said with a smile.
He said he’s confident Scott will serve well as House speaker.
“The fact that he is elected by his peers in the Democratic party doesn’t mean he will turn a deaf ear to the people who represent the other side of the aisle," said Wilder.
Looking ahead to the future, Wilder believes this moment will inspire the next generation of leaders.
“I think that would send a message to so many people that we did something for them, and that means all of the people,” said Wilder. “Any youngster today in America and in Virginia, shouldn’t ever believe their race is a handicap.”
Scott is expected to officially become speaker when the full House of Delegates votes on the first day of the 2024 legislative session in January.