Reps. Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures are the first Black concurrent representatives in Alabama’s history.
Alabama is sending two Black representatives to the House of Representatives simultaneously for the first time in history.
According to the Alabama Reflector, that is a feat that was not even achieved during Reconstruction, an era following the Civil War when Black political power in the South was expanded as the United States tried to fold newly emancipated former slaves in the former Confederacy into full participation as American citizens.
Shomari Figures will represent Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District after he won the seat in the November 2024 election.
This was made possible by court-ordered redistricting, which allowed the district’s Black citizens to choose their representatives.
Figures released a statement on Nov. 8, declaring his understanding of the significance of the case that allowed him and Rep. Terri Sewell to both represent Alabama at the same time in the House.
“The opportunity for fair representation is an essential element of democracy, as it affords people from different backgrounds an opportunity to make sure their voices are heard and interests represented,” Figures said.