Making history: 2 African-American men have been elected to lead Jacksonville’s City Council

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For the first time, two African-Americans will lead the Jacksonville City Council.

Councilman Sam Newby was elected president, and Councilman Terrance Freeman was elected Vice-President of Jacksonville City Council in a 10-9 vote.

Both Newby and Freeman are also Republicans.

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Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry tweeted a picture of Newby and Freeman along with his congratulations:

“Congratulations to our incoming City Council President, Sam Newby, and incoming City Council Vice President ⁦@TFreemanJax Freeman. The partnership between the executive And legislative branches of government is paramount and I look forward to working together.”

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