House Honors Black History Month with Celebration of Speaker Welch’s Historic Election
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Members of the Illinois House of Representatives recognized Black History Month by celebrating the historic Speakership of Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch, the first African American to serve as Speaker in the state’s history.
“It truly is the honor of a lifetime just to be in this chamber, let alone to have the opportunity to be the Speaker of the House,” Welch said. “I am not the Speaker of the Democrats, but the Speaker of the House—and I happen to be a Black man. The significance of that does not escape me, especially in the moment we’re in now where a lot of people are trying to erase Black history.”
Throughout February, House Democrats have taken time each session day to speak on the House floor in recognition of significant figures in Black history. Last week, Leader Kam Buckner chose to highlight a chapter in Black history written here and now by recognizing Speaker Welch. The Speaker came to the House floor not knowing about Buckner’s surprise resolution. Additionally, a commemorative display recognizing the first Black Speaker was unveiled on the floor; it will be shown in the Capitol alongside other Black History Month tributes to Illinois’ historic firsts.
“Today, for the first time in our state’s 206-year history, this chamber is led by a Black man: Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch. Illinois did not always make room for Black leadership. It once shut the doors for people who looked like Speaker Welch, people who look like me, and people who looked like millions of Americans we serve here today. Today those doors are not just open, they are being held open by the very people this House once tried to exclude,” Buckner said. “We’re recognizing Speaker Welch not just because he has made history, but because he understands the weight of that history. He stands on the shoulders of John W.E. Thomas, the first Black legislator in 1877, who fought against the exclusionary laws this House once passed. He follows in the footsteps of Harold Washington, Carol Moseley Braun, Barack Obama, and so many others who fought for justice in the state of Illinois. And now he carries the torch forward, ensuring the voices of those once shut out of this chamber are not just heard but are leading the conversation.”
