THE UTAH AMICUS

“TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGING”:
FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Salt Lake City – Utah has undergone tremendous demographic changes in recent years. Ethnic minorities have assumed positions of leadership in all levels of business, government, sports and politics.

Utah reached a new first today as Rep. Duane Bourdeaux (D-SLC) became the first African American Speaker of the House of Representatives, albeit Pro Tempore. In a time honored tradition, Speaker Curtis invited Rep. Bourdeaux to the dais as this will be his last legislative session since Rep. Bourdeaux will not seek another term.

After reviewing the memories of legislature’s senior members and the Legislative Research and General Council, none could recall any previous time when an African American assumed the Speakers seat. Rep. Bourdeaux performed admirably during his time as Speaker of the House, Pro Tempore. “I really liked the view and finally felt like my opinion mattered. A guy can get used to that power.”

In the words of an old Bob Dylan song, “Times, they are a changing”, even if only temporarily.