Alabama House of Representatives makes history with appointment of 1st Black chief clerk

History was made this week as the Alabama House of Representatives appointed Natalyn Williams as the first African-American chief clerk since Reconstruction. In this position, Williams will manage the entire staff employed by the House. She will also be responsible for processing and transmitting legislation to the Alabama Senate and governor’s office.

House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, announced the appointment yesterday via press release.

“This is a historic day and on behalf of the entire House of Representatives I want [to] offer my congratulations,” said McCutcheon. “Ms. Williams has worked in the Clerk’s Office for more than 25 years and is well qualified to assume this post. I’m looking forward to working with her in the days to come.”

Williams, a native of Daphne and graduate of Alabama State University, has been an employee of the clerk’s office since 1994.