The first African-American to become the state’s lieutenant governor says the gravity of the moment of his swearing in isn’t lost on him, while people continue to strive for equity.
Mandela Barnes says they need to not only change what’s possible, but what’s expected. He says beyond making history, people must strive to make a difference.
Barnes is the second African-American to hold a statewide office. Vel Phillips was the first. She was the secretary of state for one term in the 1970s.
