Del. Don Scott Makes History as Virginia’s First Black Speaker of the House

On Wednesday, January 10, Virginia’s House of Delegates witnessed the swearing-in of its first Black speaker in a history spanning 405 years. Del. Don Scott broke barriers and shattered historical precedents as he assumed the role of speaker, marking a significant milestone for both the state and the nation. Scott’s journey to this historic position is anything but conventional. A graduate of LSU Law School and a Navy veteran, Scott faced a turning point when he encountered legal troubles that resulted in a federal prison sentence. Serving seven years behind bars for drug-related charges, he emerged from incarceration with a determination to reshape his life and contribute meaningfully to society. Upon relocating to Virginia, Scott embarked on a remarkable journey through the corporate world, climbing the ranks before eventually returning to his legal roots by passing the bar exam. His personal experience with the criminal justice system fueled a passion for reform, leading him to work as a criminal defense attorney. In a 2018 interview with The Virginian-Pilot newspaper, Scott shared insights into his motivation, stating, “Jail really sucks the blood from you. That’s why I fight.” An integral part of Scott’s narrative is his decision to keep his criminal...