David Paterson Becomes the First Black Governor of New York

After the scandal that rocked New York, a black man is now the governor. David Paterson is now the new governor of New York, after Elliot Spitzer resigned. Spitzer, a self-proclaimed crusader against corruption, was found to have solicited the services of a prostitution ring.

Patterson would become both the first African-American governor of New York State and also the first governor to be legally blind.

David Paterson was born in Brooklyn New York. His father, Basil Paterson, was the first non-white Secretary of State of New York and the first African-American vice chair of the National Democratic Party.

Paterson earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and attended law school at Hofstra University.

David Paterson began his career in public service representing Harlem in the New York Senate. In 2002, Paterson became the minority leader of the senate, being the first African-American leader in New York State History.

Paterson was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2006, becoming the first African-American to ever hold such a post. He is also an adjunct professor at the School for International and Public Affairs and Columbia University.