Kappa Alpha Psi’s 31-Year-Old Mandela Barnes Becomes Wisconsin’s First Black Lieutenant Governor

Mandela Barnes made history Tuesday when he was elected Wisconsin’s first Black Lieutenant Governor.

The 31-year-old Milwaukee native is just the second black person elected to statewide office in Wisconsin and follows Vel Phillips who was elected to statewide office in 1978 and served as secretary of state for one term.

Barnes, a Spring 2005 initiate of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at Alabama A&M University was endorsed by multiple big names and groups including Barack Obama for the position.

He took to twitter Tuesday night to celebrate his victory:

“This race came down to the wire, and we made history. Now it’s time to make a difference,” he tweeted.

This has been the most amazing journey of my life! So many people said it couldn't happen. We stayed the course and continued to lead with a positive vision for Wisconsin.

This race came down to the wire, and we made history. Now it's time to make a difference.

Thank you!

— Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) November 7, 2018

Before running for Lieutenant Governor, Barnes  served two terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing District 11, which includes northern Milwaukee and a small part of Wauwatosa.

We at Watch The Yard would like to celebrate and congratulate Mandela Barnes on his victory! This brother has a bright future ahead of him!

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