Sheila Oliver becomes first African-American female speaker of N.J. Assembly

[Blue_Tires]

TRENTON -- Sheila Oliver became New Jersey's first black female Assembly Speaker this afternoon at a swearing-in ceremony at the Trenton War Memorial near the Statehouse.

After New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner administered the oath of office at 1:10 p.m., Oliver (D-Essex) received a standing ovation from her Assembly colleagues and audience members who filled the auditorium.

"It goes without saying that this is an overwhelming and historic day," Oliver said. "I will work very hard every day for the people of New Jersey and I vow to make certain that your faith in me will be rewarded."

Oliver paid tribute to people who inspired her when she was growing up in Essex County: Shirley Chisholm, the first black female elected to Congress, and Fanny Lou Hamer, a civil rights leader who was not permitted to join the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City in 1964.

"She did not take this sitting down," Oliver said, who recalled watching the convention coverage. "Her words reached a young girl sitting in her Essex County living room."

Oliver succeeds former Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), who retired as of noon today, when the 213th Legislature expired. She will lead the 80-seat lower house.

In formally nominating Oliver for Speaker, Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic) predicted Oliver would "make history throughout her tenure."

"Her achievement is a celebration of our diversity," Pou said.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/sheila_oliver_becomes_first_af.html