Jan 22, 2025 Story by: Editor
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah witnessed historic milestones this week as two Black leaders and two Latino leaders were sworn into office, marking unprecedented representation in the state’s political arena.
Rod Hall, a Republican from Syracuse, made history on Thursday when he was inaugurated as the first-ever Black-elected member of the Utah State Board of Education, representing District 3. Similarly, Natalie Pinkney, a Democrat from South Salt Lake, became the first Black woman elected to the Salt Lake County Council during her Monday inauguration. Though a Black man had previously served on the council, Pinkney’s election signifies a new milestone.
Jeanetta Williams, president of the Salt Lake City Branch of the NAACP, praised the progress, saying, “It’s great. It’s more than good. It’s important to the Black community because we pay taxes here, we work here … and we should have a seat at the table.”
Latino Representation Expands
Pinkney’s inauguration coincided with the swearing-in of two Latino leaders to the Salt Lake County Council — Carlos Moreno, a Republican, and Ross Romero, a Democrat. According to Moreno, they are the first-ever Latinos to serve on the council.
Moreno highlighted the growing Latino population in Utah, emphasizing the importance of community participation in politics. “It’s important for members of the community to step forward and have a voice in politics,” he said.
Encouraging Political Engagement
Williams noted the underrepresentation of Black individuals in Utah’s political offices, calling for greater involvement. “Seeing someone in a political post they can identify with, at least on a racial level, can encourage members of the community to get involved in public affairs,” she said.
While Hall was unavailable for comment on Thursday due to a Utah Board of Education meeting, he previously downplayed the significance of his race in his election, focusing instead on inspiring others. “It’s great to see people of color in positions of leadership just to show other people of color that that doesn’t have to be something that holds you back,” he told KSL.com in November.
Pinkney’s Commitment
In her inaugural speech on Monday, Pinkney expressed her dedication to serving all members of the community. “I’m committed to be your voice, to be your ears,” she said. “I’m not afraid to stand up and to speak up for what is right, to make sure that our government has transparency and accountability, and to make sure — no matter where you live, the color of your skin, what you believe — that you will have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Pinkney follows Winston Wilkinson, a Black Republican who won a seat on the Salt Lake County Council in 2000, making him the first Black person to serve on the body.
Additional Representation
Utah is also home to other Black leaders in elected positions, including Bettina Smith Edmondson on the Layton City Council, Karece Thompson on the Clearfield City Council, and Nick Mitchell on the South Salt Lake City Council, though they were not on last November’s ballot.
Moreno’s Historic Role
In addition to being one of the first Latinos on the Salt Lake County Council, Moreno also represents another historic first as the first naturalized U.S. citizen elected to any office in Utah. Originally from Venezuela, Moreno fled the socialist regime there and now advocates for greater Latino political engagement.
“We have beautiful families; we have prosperous businesses, but now is the time to participate politically, be more involved in what’s happening in our communities,” Moreno said. “Today, more than ever, the country needs your help, and I ask Latinos in Salt Lake County to join the political debate and participate in elections more frequently.”
Broader Diversity in Utah Leadership
Last November’s elections brought additional diversity to Utah’s political landscape. Three Pacific Islanders were elected to the Utah House: Verona Mauga (District 31), Jake Fitisemanu (District 30), and Doug Fiefia (District 48). Hoang Nguyen, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Vietnam, won the District 23 House seat.
These newly elected lawmakers will take office later this month, ahead of the 2025 Utah Legislative session, which begins on Jan. 21.
This historic wave of representation underscores Utah’s increasing diversity and the growing participation of minority communities in shaping the state’s future. Source: KSL
