today in black history

March 28, 2024

Poet Countee Cullen wins Phi Beta Kappa honors at New York University on this date in 1925.

Rep. Keith Ellison

POSTED: September 07, 2008, 7:23 am

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Hon. Keith Ellison
Minnesota, 5th District
U.S. House of Representatives
1130 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Ph: 202-225-4755
Fx: 202-225-4886

2100 Plymouth Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Ph: 612-522-1212







 

Chief of Staff

Kari Moe
kari.moe@mail.house.gov
 
Legislative Director

Minh Ta
minh.ta@mail.house.gov


Keith Ellison has represented the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives since taking office on January 4, 2007. The Fifth Congressional District is the most vibrant and ethnically diverse district in Minnesota with a rich history and traditions. The Fifth District includes the City of Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs.





















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Representative Ellison is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL). He previously served two terms representing Legislative District 58B in the Minnesota State House of Representatives, from 2003 to 2007. While in the State Legislature, he served on the Public Safety, Policy and Finance Committee, and the Election and Civil Law Committee. Ellison led efforts to protect Minnesota children from dangerous pesticides and chemicals; he promoted legislation to restore the voting rights of ex-offenders; and he successfully advocated for an increase in the state's minimum wage.

Ellison made history as the first African American from Minnesota to serve in the U.S. Congress. He also made history by becoming the first person of the Muslim faith in America to serve in Congress.

Representative Ellison's philosophy is one of "generosity and inclusiveness." His roots as a community activist and his message of inclusivity through democratic participation resonates throughout the Fifth District. His priorities in Congress are: promoting peace, prosperity for working families, and promoting civil and human rights.

Representative Ellison serves on the Financial Services and Judiciary Committees. The Financial Services Committee provides oversight for the nation's housing and financial services sector, while the Judiciary Committee oversees the country's legal system: issues like civil and human rights, immigration and election law.

Ellison, now 44 years old, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He moved to Minnesota in 1987 to attend the University of Minnesota Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1990. Keith, and his wife Kim Ellison, have lived on the Minneapolis Northside for the past eighteen years. Kim is a high school mathematics teacher. They are the proud parents of four children.

Source: U.S. House of Representatives

The 5th Congressional District includes the city of Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs and is the most culturally and ethnically diverse in the state. The district is overwhelmingly white (71.2%), with Blacks comprising just under 13 percent of the population. The district’s poverty rate is 12.7 percent and the median income is $41,569.

 

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