BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Last Friday, Florida Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) was chosen as the Designated Senate Democratic Leader. Through the designation, Senator Joyner becomes the first African American woman to serve in this capacity.

“I’m very proud of the confidence my fellow Senate Democrats have placed in me. It’s an honor to be named the designated leader of such a hardworking, motivated group of individuals. All of us are determined to do our best for the people of Florida,” Senator Joyner said.

She is the second woman to serve in this capacity, following Senator Nan Rich. She will begin serving in 2014 until her term expires in November 2016.

A Tampa native, Senator Joyner is serving her second term. She was elected for the first time in 2006.

This designation marked the last in a series of “first” for Senator Joyner. She entered the political arena as the first African American woman representing Hillsborough County in the Florida State House of Representatives and the first Black woman from Hillsborough County elected to the Florida Senate.

She also holds the distinction of being the first Black female attorney to serve in those capacities. She also became the first Black female attorney in Hillsborough County.

Senator Joyner has formerly served as the National Parliamentarian for the LINKS, Inc., the National Legal Advisor for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National General Counsel for the Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.,  and the Second female President of the National Bar Association.