Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis says his swearing-in marked major progress
Austin Davis went from Allegheny County lawmaker to Pennsylvania's first Black and youngest lieutenant governor.
As part of our Project Community Black History Month series, News 8 talked to Davis about how he feels about taking on this role.
Davis said last month's swearing-in ceremony marked major progress in Pennsylvania.
"It was extremely humbling to see all the folks and to really recognize and think about all of the folks who have paved the way for a moment like that so that one day Austin Davis or someone like me could stand at the rostrum and preside over the Senate," he said.
Elected in November, Davis became the first Black lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania's history.
"It sends a message that representation matters, particularly for folks who have never seen themselves represented in the halls of power," he said.
At 33 years old, Davis is also Pennsylvania's youngest lieutenant governor.
The former state representative is the son of a hairdresser and union bus driver. He said their influence guided him to value hard work and to care for others who are in need.
"We may not have had the most money in the world, but we always had a lot of love. And my parents and my family taught me to be a good person, a person who leads with compassion and empathy. I think that's what people want from government leaders," Davis said.
Davis said his election to the lieutenant governor's office shows people who look like him and are as young as him can reach for the state's highest offices.
"Whether it's the governor's office or the United States Senate, whatever office they might choose that a person who looks like me may not have occupied before, but it's a real opportunity for folks to see themselves in government and to strive for that success. I think we are getting closer to the dream," he said.
That dream is one Davis said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of decades ago – a dream Davis said is getting closer each day to becoming reality.