Black History
Historic Noir Coffee Group: Three Men and a Dream
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Sixty-four percent of Americans have at least one cup of coffee a day. Of those surveyed (3000 people), 79 percent said they made coffee at home and 36 percent said they drink coffee at retail locations. According to Food & Wine, Americans spend more money on coffee each year than any other country. The average American spends $1,110 on coffee each year contributing to a $20 billion-dollar industry here in the states.
By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. , NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor
Historic Noir Coffee Group is coming to a grocery store near you. The brain child of Ricardo Richardson and his collaborators Deron Moreman and Christopher Brown, the three childhood friends got together to form The Historic Noir Coffee Group, LLC and launch Historic Noir Coffee Group in flavors that reflect the neighborhoods they grew up in as children in Atlanta.
Childhood Friends and Historic Noir Coffee Group owners Christopher Brown (l), Deron Moreman (c) and Ricardo Richardson (r) are interviewed by CBS 46’s Trayce Hutchinson. (Photo Credit: Christopher Brown)
There is Fourth Ward blend where Ricardo, the founder and CEO of the company, grew up, West End blend where Deron, the Vice-President of Sales, grew up and the Decatur blend, where Christopher Brown, President of Marketing and Distribution, grew up.
Brown explains Richardson introduced the idea to Moreman and Brown, initially wanting to supply high quality coffee at a reasonable price to various business and government entities. Working with a supplier in Senegal and wanting to grow the business and make a mark in an industry where there isn’t a lot of minority representation, Richardson approached his childhood friends with his idea. Thinking about his idea, the market and timing, Moreman and Brown signed on and the rest is history, or Historic Noir Coffee, LLC if you will.
If you’re wondering, “Why coffee?” of all of the businesses they could have started, Brown is very clear. “Gold, oil and coffee are at the top of the stock market at any given time,” says Brown. “Coffee is so profitable McDonald’s built a number of offerings around it and Dunkin Donuts changed it’s name to focus on coffee because it has a higher profit margin,” he adds.
Coffee is great business according to a 2018 report released by the National Coffee Association, which provides research data on U.S. coffee consumption through its annual National Coffee Drinking Trends (NCDT) survey.
Sixty-four percent of Americans have at least one cup of coffee a day. Of those surveyed (3000 people), 79 percent said they made coffee at home and 36 percent said they drink coffee at retail locations. According to Food & Wine, Americans spend more money on coffee each year than any other country. The average American spends $1,110 on coffee each year contributing to a $20 billion-dollar industry here in the states.
Even though coffee is a billion-dollar industry in the United States and is literally the crown jewel of many African, Caribbean and South American countries (Ethiopia, Jamaica, Brazil), very few African-Americans participate in supplying and distributing coffee.
There are a number of reasons for this problem, from issues around consumption (coffee will make you black) to challenges around access to resources stemming from slavery and hundreds of years of being economically disenfranchised.
In the article, “Strong Black Coffee: Why Aren’t African-Americans More Prominent in the Coffee Industry,” Phyllis Johnson, President of BD imports discusses the myriad of reasons you don’t find many black people in the coffee industry.
Historic Noir Coffee Group Blends (Photo Credit: Christopher Brown)
African-Americans choose coffee less due to stigma’s surrounding coffee’s impact on other health issues. Despite the fact that coffee is shown to have a positive impact on diseases like cancer, diabetes, stroke and heart disease, many still believe coffee is bad for your health.
Johnson states, “The NCDT consistently shows that, in comparison to other ethnic groups, African-Americans are less likely to choose coffee as a preferred beverage.” She believes there is a direct correlation between less consumption and less representation in the industry in other areas like distribution.
Johnson adds, “The absence of African-Americans attending coffee industry conferences, serving on boards and working in coffee in general goes hand in hand with lower levels of consumption. While targeted marketing programs may improve consumption, I believe employment and education will provide a greater return on investment. Greater engagement from African-Americans throughout the industry will provide more ideas and new ways to overcome challenges.”
Johnson’s research and observations about the coffee industry speak to Richardson’s desire to enter an industry that was viable and needed African-American suppliers and distributors. As luck would have it, a streak of seemingly bad luck yet great timing led the friends to take a shot at this opportunity.
In 2008, Ricardo and Deron had been laid off from their prior places of employment. Christopher took an early retirement and was involved in several entrepreneurial pursuits. After eight years of George W. Bush’s economic policies, the U.S. economy was depressed. Despite these precarious times, the three friends decided to take a shot, building on their faith (they grew up going to church together), ability to work as a team (they grew up playing sports together) and prior professional experiences.
Deron had previously worked for a company that sold water and coffee. He had the knowledge and organizational skills. Christopher had a pilot’s license and retired from working as an airplane mechanic, so he knew the travel industry. Ricardo had the vision and foundation in place. Eleven years later, the friends have built a supplier and distribution coffee business that is influenced, informed and run by people of African descent, which is where coffee originated. Talk about a full-circle moment on multiple fronts.
Brown says their success was in the cards. “We were crazy enough to believe we could do it. We saw the vision knew it would work,” he adds. They set off on their journey, educating themselves along the way and making sure they were building a viable business. “One of the most important things to us was taking the time to get it right,” says Brown. “We took time to get infrastructure, licensing, insurance – pretty much everything that was needed to build a viable company and made sure it was in place before we really got into supply and distribution.”
They tested theories and strategies and processes, analyzing, making necessary changes and continuing to move forward. When listening to Brown speak about the different types of beans and how they work together, one might think he’s a scientist with his vivid descriptions and ability to communicate complex information in an accessible way.
Historic Noir Coffee is now sold under different labels (Rosie’s Coffee) and can be found in grocery store chains like Sprouts and their online business is robust, with customers all over the world.
Brown is proud of their success and says one of their company goals is to give back to the community, so they do a lot of work with various charitable organizations. In fact, recognizing that most coffee is sourced and created from the labor of people of African descent, they developed the following mission:
Respect the coffee grower community, the environment and the customer. Conducting our business with honest practices and in an ethical manner is paramount.
The mission of Historic Noir Coffee Group, LLC dovetails with their vision, which is to develop strong relationships with their suppliers and to partner with the top importers and roasters based in the U.S., therefore providing the highest quality coffee products. To ensure this level of integrity, they made it policy to partner with “Fair Trade” coffee importers who are committed to respecting humanity and the environment.
Historic Noir Coffee Group, LLC is a company created and run by three black childhood friends from Atlanta, who care about the local and global community and ensuring that African-Americans get an opportunity to participate in a coffee industry that is truly a natural fit. Later this year, their coffee, which is currently whole bean, will be available in K-Pods and ground coffee.
When asked what’s next, Brown simply states, “Making sure we maintain the quality of our product, operate with high professional and ethical standards, and continue to grow while helping our community.”
This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., entertainment and culture editor for Black Press USA. She is also founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news blog The Burton Wire which covers news of the African Diaspora. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.
Black History
MHU Commemorates ASCORE and Anniversary of Desegregation
THE URBAN NEWS — UNC Asheville and Mars Hill University are collaborating to host a series of commemorative events marking the 65th anniversary of their desegregation. The programming honors Etta Mae Whitner Patterson and Oralene Anderson Graves Simmons, two former members of the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality (ASCORE) who became the first Black students at their respective institutions in 1961.
A week of events at UNC Asheville, Mars Hill University, and downtown Asheville.
In 1961, two young women broke the color barrier to become the first African American students at two Western North Carolina colleges: Etta Mae Whitner Patterson at UNC Asheville and Oralene Anderson Graves Simmons at Mars Hill University (then Mars Hill College).
Both women were students at Asheville’s Stephens-Lee High School, where they were members of the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality (ASCORE). Through nonviolent protest, ASCORE led efforts to desegregate many Asheville stores and businesses.
Patterson and Simmons, who later founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, have since received honorary doctorates from their alma maters in recognition of their achievements and lifelong service to their communities.
To commemorate ASCORE, honor the leadership of Etta Patterson and Oralene Simmons, and mark the 65th anniversary of the desegregation of UNC Asheville and Mars Hill University, UNC Asheville’s Department of History and Mars Hill University’s Liston B. Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies invite the public to attend “Stories of ASCORE: Lessons in Courage, Desegregation, and Community Activism.”
The program will feature two panel discussions with Drs. Patterson and Simmons, along with other former members of ASCORE. Panelists will discuss how their experiences integrating Asheville’s businesses and institutions prepared them for their college careers, professional lives, and continued community activism.
The first panel discussion will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in the Blue Ridge Room of Highsmith Union at UNC Asheville. The event will feature a presentation by Dr. Patterson and a panel discussion with Dr. Simmons, Marvin Chambers, Jesse Ray, and Al Whitesides. The panel will be moderated by Deborah Miles, retired director of the former UNC Asheville Center for Diversity Education.
This event is sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Department of History and Africana Studies Program, with generous support from King and Pam Prather. A free visitor parking permit is required for the UNC Asheville event. Please visit the university’s parking website for instructions on obtaining a permit for the evening’s program.
The second panel discussion will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, in the Tony and Terry Floyd Conference Center in the Mars Hill University Campus Center. The event will feature Dr. Simmons, Annette Coleman, and Elizabeth Colton. The panel will be moderated by Jonathan McCoy, professor of history at Mars Hill University.
This event is sponsored by the Liston B. Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies, with generous support from the university’s Provost’s Office.
In addition, at 12 noon on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in Pack Square in downtown Asheville, Mayor Esther Manheimer and the Buncombe County Commission Chair will proclaim ASCORE Day and present honors to Etta Patterson and Oralene Simmons. Holly Jones of the North Carolina Governor’s Office will also participate in the ceremony.
For more information, contact Leila Weinstein at Mars Hill University ([email protected]) or Ellen Holmes Pearson at UNC Asheville ([email protected]).
Based on reporting by The Urban News.
Black History
HBCU Love: Spelman’s Dr. Letitia Plummer Makes History as Harris County’s First Black Elected County Judge
TEXAS METRO NEWS — Former Houston City Council member Dr. Letitia Plummer has made history as the first Black person elected to serve as the Harris County Judge. The Spelman College alumna defeated Republican Orlando Sanchez in the general election for Texas’ most populous county, receiving approximately 62% of the vote.
Letitia Plummer is the next Harris County judge, and the Spelman College alumna made history in Texas’ most populous county. On Tuesday night, the former Houston City Council member defeated Republican Orlando Sanchez. As a result, she becomes the first African American elected to lead Harris County.
Early unofficial results showed Plummer with about 62% of the vote to Sanchez’s 38%. Shortly after 9 p.m., Sanchez called Plummer to concede. He then asked his supporters to back her once she takes office.
The win also makes her the first Muslim elected to the post. According to the Houston Chronicle, that makes her the highest-ranking Muslim executive official in Texas history.
A Historic Night in Houston
Plummer succeeds Lina Hidalgo, who chose not to seek another term. Now, a Spelman woman takes over the top job in a county of nearly 5 million people.
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In Texas, the county judge is not a courtroom role. Instead, the job leads the Commissioners Court, which runs the county’s budget, roads, flood control and public health. So the seat carries real power over daily life in the Houston region.
The general election was never especially close. However, the road to November was brutal. In the March 3 primary, Plummer finished second behind former Houston Mayor Annise Parker. Parker took about 47% to Plummer’s 37%, sending the race to a runoff.
Then Plummer flipped the script. On May 26, she beat Parker in the runoff with about 51% of the vote. From there, she turned to Sanchez and never looked back. Houston Public Media has full coverage of election night.
Letitia Plummer’s Road From Linkwood to Harris County Judge
Plummer grew up in Linkwood, a neighborhood south of Brays Bayou near Buffalo Speedway. Her family history runs deep in Houston. Her grandfather was a Tuskegee Airman flight instructor. After the war, he became the first African American investigator for the Harris County district attorney.
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Her father, Matthew Plummer Jr., studied dentistry at Harvard. Later, he served in the Peace Corps, where he met her mother in Africa. Her mother brought Yemeni and Indian roots to the family. As a result, Plummer grew up in a multicultural household that shaped her outlook.
As a teen, she attended what is now DeBakey High School for Health Professions. Then she headed to Atlanta for Spelman. There, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
After Spelman, she came home to Texas for dental school at Baylor College of Dentistry. Like her father, she became a dentist. She went on to own dental practices in the Houston area, including in Pearland.
From Dental Chair to City Hall
Plummer’s political career started with a 2018 run for Congress. She made the Democratic runoff in Texas’ 22nd District but lost to Sri Preston Kulkarni. Still, the campaign put her on the map.
A year later, she won Houston City Council At-Large Position 4. She took office in January 2020. In doing so, she became the first Muslim woman elected to the Council.
On the Council, she focused on police reform, food deserts and apartment inspections. She also chaired the Government Operations Committee. Notably, fellow Spelman alumna Carolyn Evans-Shabazz served alongside her on the Council.
In 2025, she launched her campaign for county judge. Then she timed her exit from the Council so the city could fill her seat during a regular election. That move saved Houston the cost of a standalone special election.
What She Ran On
Plummer pitched herself as a unifier for a Commissioners Court that has often split along party lines. She promised to build stronger working relationships among its members.
She also called for better county services and changes to the county’s Flock camera contract. In addition, she pushed back on state leaders for exerting authority over Harris County.
On election night, she spoke about her personal struggles with surrogacy. She said that experience helped inspire her decision to run.
Why Letitia Plummer’s Win Matters for Spelman
Spelman women had a big night across the country Tuesday. In New York, alumna Adrienne Adams won the lieutenant governor’s race. Now Plummer will run one of the largest counties in America.
Together, the wins show how far the Spelman network reaches in politics. Both women built careers outside government before winning office. And both broke barriers on the way up. For more on the school, check out our Spelman College coverage. You can also follow our Keisha Lance Bottoms coverage for more HBCU wins from election night.
What Comes Next
Plummer will take office in January. Between now and then, she will build her team and prepare for the county budget fight. For more on her path, the Houston Chronicle tracked her rise through a political roller coaster year.
Stay with HBCU Buzz for continued coverage of Harris County Judge-elect Letitia Plummer as she prepares to take office.
In this article:HBCU LOVE, Letitia Plummer, Spelman’s Dr. Letitia Plummer Makes History as Harris County’s First Black Elected County Judge
Based on reporting by Texas Metro News.
Black History
Jason Driver Named St. Louis Public Library CEO
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN — The St. Louis Public Library has appointed Jason Driver as its next chief executive officer following a national search. Driver, a veteran administrator with 27 years of experience, currently leads the Kitsap Regional Library in Washington and previously served in several roles at the Chicago Public Library. He is scheduled to take over the 15-location system on January 4, succeeding longtime leader Waller McGuire. The appointment follows a period of notable activity for the system and recent management discussions in Driver’s current role. Read more.
Jason Driver, a veteran library administrator with more than 27 years of experience, has been named the next chief executive officer of the St. Louis Public Library, taking over a 15-location system that serves more than 135,000 active cardholders.
Driver, who has led Kitsap Regional Library in the state of Washington since 2022, will begin his new position Jan. 4, succeeding Waller McGuire, who retired in October after 37 years with the St. Louis library system, including 22 years as its leader.
The appointment follows a national search and comes after the St. Louis system was named Missouri’s 2026 Library of the Year, in part for its response to the devastating May 2025 tornado. The library helped residents during the recovery, including through a tool-lending program established to assist with home repairs.
Driver told Sarah Fenske of St. Louis Magazine that he has no immediate plans to overhaul the system, which he described as a “well-oiled machine.”
“I’m a firm believer in one needing to follow before they can lead,” he said.
He plans to spend time learning from employees and the library board before deciding what changes might be needed.
Driver, a Chicago native, began his career working with young people in foster care through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. He later joined the Chicago Public Library, where he held positions ranging from children’s librarian and early literacy specialist to branch manager, regional director and district chief.
At Kitsap, Driver has overseen strategic planning, finances, communications and public services for a nine-branch system.
His selection follows several months of workplace controversy there, where union-represented employees questioned his management practices.
The Washington Public Employees Association raised concerns in May about communication, personnel decisions and branch closures. Union members later voted no confidence in Driver and called for his removal, according to reporting by Kitsap News Group.
A three-month independent investigation did not substantiate allegations of unlawful gender discrimination, retaliation or misconduct violating library policies. The Kitsap library board supported Driver’s continued leadership but acknowledged that communication, trust and workplace relationships needed improvement.
The board also said some employee concerns involving labor relations, collective bargaining and working conditions fell outside the investigation’s scope.
Driver told St. Louis Magazine he respected the union’s right to raise concerns and viewed the experience as an opportunity to improve communication.
“I definitely embrace the union to be able to have that pathway to speak out when there are things that they don’t agree with,” he said.
The St. Louis Public Library board independently confirmed the investigation’s findings with Kitsap trustees before hiring Driver, according to the St. Louis Business Journal.
“After a national search, the Board of Directors believes we have found in Jason an outstanding leader with the vision and experience to lead SLPL forward,” board President Nina North-Murphy said in a statement.
Driver will receive an annual salary of $240,000, the Business Journal reported.
Driver said returning to an urban library system was among the attractions of the St. Louis position. His background in social services, he said, helped prepare him to work with people from a wide range of circumstances.
“I felt like the background I had in social services really helped me to deal with some of the things we deal with in urban libraries,” he told Fenske.
He said libraries offer opportunities to serve people who might otherwise face barriers to accessing community resources.
“St. Louis is a wonderful city, it has a strong library core, and it certainly has a number of opportunities to dig in and help advance the mission and help the people of St. Louis,” Driver said.
The post Jason Driver named St. Louis Public Library CEO appeared first on St. Louis American.
Based on reporting by St. Louis American.
Black History
Superb Woman: Destiny B. Sadler
TEXAS METRO NEWS — Destiny B. Sadler is a dynamic entrepreneur and empowerment coach who serves as a Top Executive with the global beauty brand LimeLife by Alcone. A graduate of Southern University, Sadler leverages her background in leadership and community impact to mentor others on the transformative power of confidence.
Destiny B. Sadler is a dynamic entrepreneur, digital creator, and empowerment coach dedicated to helping individuals look, feel, and live at their absolute best. With a background rooted in leadership and community impact, she serves as a Top Executive with the global beauty brand LimeLife by Alcone, where she mentors a growing network of beauty guides and champions the transformative power of confidence.
Driven by a passion for personal development and education, Destiny founded YSTBYOU and You’re Simply the Best Kids, an educational services organization focused on building foundational confidence and leadership skills in youth. She’s a graduate of Lamar High School and Southern University. Destiny’s life work centers on a simple, powerful philosophy: embracing who you are is the ultimate key to success.
Based on reporting by Texas Metro News.
Black History
Alabama HBCU Founders Win Nearly $20,000 at 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition
BIRMINGHAM TIMES — The Alabama Collective and Digitalundivided recently awarded $20,000 in cash prizes to student and alumni founders during the 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition. Held at Topgolf Birmingham during Magic City Classic week, the event featured 51 participants representing 10 different Alabama institutions.
Bryson Hannah celebrates his first-place finish in the 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition in Birmingham, earning $5,000 for Internably LLC, his networking platform connecting college interns across the country. (Alabama A&M) ” data-large-file=”https://www.birminghamtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/pitchbryson1edit-1024×685.jpg” />
Special to the Times
The Alabama Collective and co-host Digitalundivided awarded $20,000 in cash prizes to HBCU student and alumni founders at the 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition, held Thursday, October 29, at Topgolf Birmingham as part of Magic City Classic week.
Fifty-one founders representing 10 Alabama institutions competed in a booth-style format, delivering three-minute pitches with no slides or audiovisual aids, followed by three minutes of questions from a panel of industry judges. Top scorers at each booth earned $1,000 and advanced to a live Pitch Finale.
Internably, LLC, founded by Bryson Hannah of Alabama A&M University, took first place and $4,000. Internably is a networking platform that connects college students, interns, and early career professionals by company, school, city, and career interests.
“I was blown away by these innovative business ideas and the go-to-market strategies,” says Modupe Rouse, Digitalundivided Chair and Pitch Finale Judge. “These student founders took the START program skills and leveled up. I cannot wait for the economic impact of their businesses in Alabama,” added Rouse.
“What we witnessed at this year’s competition was a powerful reminder of the incredible talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential emerging from Alabama’s HBCUs,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of The Alabama Collective. “These 51 founders didn’t just show up with ideas — they showed up with vision, determination, and the confidence to turn those ideas into businesses. We’re especially proud that this year’s partnership with Digitalundivided allowed us to expand beyond the competition itself, equipping entrepreneurs with business skills to launch their businesses, coaching, and connections that will serve them long after the prizes are awarded. Our goal is not simply to celebrate great pitches, but to help build the next generation of successful entrepreneurs and business owners across Alabama.”
“Digitalundivided is delighted to partner with TAC in its work with Alabama HBCUs and in supporting the innovation and talent of students here,” says Leah D. Williams, CEO of Digitalundivided. “These student founders are the business leaders of tomorrow. We are excited to add the Digitalundivided network lifting them up as they climb towards their future achievements.”
2026 Pitch Finale Winners
First Place, $4,000: Internably, LLC — Alabama A&M University
Second Place, $3,000: FuelTrip — Alabama A&M University
Third Place, $2,000: NexU — Alabama A&M University
Top-Scoring Booth Winners, $1,000 each
• VARA — Talladega College
• Yardly — Alabama State University
• AccessBelt — Alabama State University
• Nightshift — Talladega College
• FuelTrip — Alabama A&M University
• NexU — Alabama A&M University
• Internably, LLC — Alabama A&M University
• Mobile Therapy Office/Unlimited Potential — Alabama State University
• BeVerified — Alabama State University
• The Vent Avengers — Trenholm State Community College
A New Path to the Stage
The 2026 competition introduced two entry tracks. Members of The Alabama Collective community were invited to apply to START, Digitalundivided’s flagship pre-revenue incubator, a three-week virtual program grounded in Lean Startup methodology. Selected participants built a working Business Model Canvas, earned an automatic slot in the Round 1 pitch booths, and received a $250 completion stipend on event day. Alabama HBCU students, recent graduates, faculty and staff filled the remaining booths and brought in founders new to the organization.
Alongside the competition, the day included entrepreneurship training, small group mentoring with industry leaders, and a Lunch and Learn fireside chat.
The 2026 competition was supported by JPMorgan Chase, HBCU CARES and NEBIUS.
About The Alabama Collective
The Alabama Collective is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating tech talent and entrepreneurs across Alabama. Through partnerships with HBCUs, industry leaders, and innovation hubs, The Alabama Collective builds programs that expose, educate, engage, and empower underrepresented communities in tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
About Digitalundivided
For over a decade, Digitalundivided has increased visibility and access for founders. Beginning with groundbreaking research and expanding into founder-centric training programs, strategic partnerships, and a vibrant founder community, Digitalundivided champions an equitable entrepreneurial landscape and provides founders at every stage with the space to improvise and innovate.
Based on reporting by Birmingham Times.
Black History
Meet Scott Colom, the Mississippi Democrat Leading Tight Mississippi Senate Race
ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — Mississippi Democrat Scott Colom holds a narrow lead over Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith in a high-stakes U.S. Senate race that remains too close to call. A longtime prosecutor from Columbus, Colom seeks to become the first Black person to represent Mississippi in the Senate since Reconstruction.
Scott Colom, a Mississippi Democrat challenging Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, could become the first Black person elected to represent the state in the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction.
As of Thursday afternoon (November 5), unofficial results showed Colom leading Hyde-Smith by 1,138 votes, with 96% of estimated votes counted, according to Associated Press election results. The race has not been called.
If Colom wins, the longtime prosecutor would become the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi since John C. Stennis won reelection in 1982. A seventh-generation Mississippian raised in Columbus, Colom comes from a family with deep legal and political ties.His mother, retired Judge Dorothy Colom, was the first Black person elected to serve on her region’s Chancery Court. His father, Wilbur Colom, is an attorney and former Republican who worked for President Ronald Reagan.
In 2015, Colom defeated 27-year incumbent Forrest Allgood to become district attorney for Mississippi’s 16th Circuit District at age 32, making him the first Black person to hold the position, Mississippi Public Broadcasting reported. His campaign says his office has won 94% of its trials and secured convictions in more than 15 high-profile murder cases.
Colom’s history with Hyde-Smith dates back to 2023 when she blocked his nomination to a federal judgeship despite support from Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, according to CNN.
Colom told CNN, “I’m a Christian. I forgive her,” adding that the blocked nomination was not motivating his Senate campaign.
His campaign website outlines priorities that include raising the federal minimum wage, lowering costs for families, protecting rural hospitals and restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits. He also wants to require data center companies to cover their own electricity and water costs.
Mississippi’s last two Black U.S. senators were Hiram Revels, who was elected in 1870 and became the first Black senator in the country, and Blanche K. Bruce, who was elected in 1875 and served until 1881, according to the U.S. Senate Historical Office.
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The post Meet Scott Colom, The Mississippi Democrat Leading Tight Mississippi Senate Race appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
Based on reporting by Atlanta Daily World.
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