Bakari Sellers is just 25 years old, but he’s already made it into the history books.
In 2006, at the tender age of 22, Sellers was elected to the South Carolina General Assembly. Today, the Democratic legislator is believed to be the youngest African-American lawmaker in the country.
Sellers is the son of Gwendolyn and Dr. Cleveland Sellers, Jr. His father, an activist turned professor, was the only person jailed for events connected with the Orangeburg Massacre of 1968.
During that historic civil rights protest, three students died and dozens were wounded by South Carolina state troopers. Rep. Sellers has introduced a bill calling for further investigation of the incident.
Sellers attended Morehouse College, where he made a name for himself by serving in leadership roles. He was president of the Student Government Association and served on the Morehouse College Board of Trustees. He also interned with S.C. Congressman Jim Clyburn and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.
After graduating from Morehouse in 2005, Sellers entered law school at the University of South Carolina, earning a degree three years later.
Today, Sellers represents the 90th District, a rural district with its share of impoverished residents. He’s introduced such legislation as a ban on texting while driving, and a bill that would ban snacks and beverages in vending machines for elementary students.
Sellers was an early Obama supporter, serving as a member of the Obama for America, South Carolina Steering Committee; like the President, he’s spoken of greater access to quality health care.
Sellers has appeared on national TV programs like Hardball, and spoken to college audiences. He may well prove to be a visionary leader for his generation and the country.