Shri Thanedar: “As we celebrate National Black History Month, I pay tribute to a Detroit-born African-American leader, Joe Tate, who…”

“As we celebrate National Black History Month, I pay tribute to a Detroit-born African-American leader, Joe Tate, who became the first African-American man elected as Speaker of the Michigan State House this year. Speaker Joe Tate, the son of a firefighter, played football at Michigan State and later in the NFL. He also served in Afghanistan as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. I am honored to have Speaker Tate as my guest for tonight's State of the Union Address. Along with Joe Tate, today I also honor Congresswoman Barbara-Rose Collins, the first Black woman elected to Congress from Michigan, who worked tirelessly to break down barriers. I proudly served with Mr. Tate in the Michigan House and look forward to working with him for a better Michigan. ____________________”