Newspaper article discussing A. W. Willis, the first black person to be elected to the Tennessee legislature since Reconstruction, who had been praised by Look Magazine as a potential leader of a statewide black political machine. However, Willis' record did not support this claim. He instead broke down political machines in his own community and at the state level. Willis was a vocal advocate for the general welfare and the overall progress of his community and state. He has also sponsored legislation to make the legislature more independent of the governor. 2 pages.
Subject
African American leadership, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
