Dallas County’s First African-American District Attorney, Craig Watkins, Named Texan of the Year

Jan.1, 2007, the day Craig Watkins was sworn in as Dallas’ first African-American district attorney, marked a seismic shift in local politics. Perhaps even more significant than the election of Ron Kirk, our first black mayor, Mr. Watkins’ first two years in office illustrate a commitment to just and effective enforcement of the law; citizens expect as much and rightly so.

Protesters Rally Near Texas Court in African-American Dragging Case

Protesters galvanized by a dragging death that has stirred memories of
the notorious James Byrd case rallied twice outside an eastern Texas
courthouse to speak out against a judicial system they consider racist.

Study Shows 8,000 African-Americans Die Due to Blood Pressure Gap

The lives of nearly 8,000 black Americans could be saved each year if
doctors could figure out a way to bring their average blood pressure
down to the average level of whites, a surprising new study found.

Kevin Johnson Becomes First African-American Mayor in Sacramento, California

Kevin Johnson declared victory in the Sacramento mayor’s race Tuesday
night after the most costly and intensely publicized quest ever for the
city’s top political job.