President's Day: A Black President in the Making
During Black History Month we examine influential African-Americans in politics
Significant African-American Politicians Break Down Racial Barriers
In March 17, 2008, New York Lt. Gov. David Paterson was sworn in to become first African-American governor of New York. Thrust into power after Eliot Spitzer's prostitution scandal forced him to resign, Paterson, whose term has also been laced with personal scandal, continues to struggle to win over the Democratic Party and the citizens of New York. Paterson is pictured here with his wife, Michelle Paige Paterson, at the state Capitol building in Albany, N.Y. (Keith Bedford/Reuters)
