Biography
William Wainwright was born in Somerville, Tennessee and graduated with a BS degree from Memphis State University in 1970. He was pastor of Piney Grove AME Zion Church from 1985 to 1993.
In January 2007, Wainwright was nominated by his colleagues in the Democratic caucus as Speaker pro tempore of the House. He was elected on January 24, making him the first African American to serve in the number-two post in the House since Reconstruction. He was re-elected Speaker pro tempore in 2009. After Democrats lost their House majority, Wainwright was elected deputy minority leader.
Read more about this topic: William L. Wainwright
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