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| Profession | Politicians |
Keith Ellison is an American politician who made history as the first Black Muslim to be elected into Congress. Keith is a representative of Minnesota at the United States Congress, a record he broke for being the first black to represent the state. His interest in politics might have been sparked while growing up in a family interested in civic activism and law. Keith who is lawyer also serves as the chief deputy whip for the Democrats in the Congress.
Who is Keith Ellison?
Keith Ellison was born on August 4, 1963, in Detroit, Michigan to Leonard Ellison (a social worker) and Clida Ellison. Born into a family of social activism with five brothers, three of them became lawyers, one got into the medical field while the other was ordained as a pastor of the Baptist Church of the New Covenant in Detroit.
Keith who was raised as a Catholic converted to Islam when he was 19 and studying at Wayne State University in Detroit. He graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy where he was said to be actively involved in sports and the student union government in 1981. He graduated with a degree in Arts in Economics, he got married and relocated to Minneapolis to study law in Minnesota Law School, graduating in 1990.
He kick-started his law career with Lindquist & Vennum Law firm where he worked for three years before he was appointed as the Executive Director of the Legal Rights Center, then he went on to private practice.
Aside from his practice in law, he was actively involved with community service, he hosted a radio program on public affairs for some years before he won the elections in 2002 and became a representative in the Minnesota House of Assembly.
Four years later, he progressed to the National level and ran for a seat in the United States House of Representative in 2006, which he later won and made history as the first Muslim to serve in US Congress and also the first black man to be elected as a representative from Minnesota. During his time in office, he has aided stem cell research and the increment of the minimum wage.
His Girlfriend and Domestic Abuse Allegations
Keith has been accused of domestic abuse by his ex-girlfriend, Amy Louise Alexander (in 2006) and currently, he is battling an allegation by his former girlfriend Karen Monahan. In 2017, Karen posted a medical document on social media revealing a report by her doctor regarding her abusive relationship with Congressman Keith.
Karen’s son, Austin Monahan also broke the news on social media, he claimed that he saw a video where Keith was physically assaulting his mother, A story his mother confirmed. Keith has, however, denied ever abusing her and the alleged footage has not been released to the public because Karen felt it was too traumatizing.
Keith is a divorcee blessed with four children, three sons named Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah and a daughter named Amirah with his ex-wife, Kim Ellison. Kim, who started her career as a mathematics teacher and a swimming coach met Keith when she moved from Maryland to Detroit while she was a teenager. She doesn’t practice the Islamic faith, however, she has allowed her four children to be raised in their father’s religion.
After her divorce, she became a member of her school board position in 2012. There is no information on what led to their divorce as Kim herself insisted that there was never any abuse in her marriage.
Other Facts About Keith Ellison
1. Keith Ellison insisted to be sworn in with the Quran which led to much criticism, he, however, had his way.
2. Asides his interests in politics, he makes out time to volunteer as a track coach working with youth between the ages of 5 and 18.
3. He was arrested in April 2009 with four other Democratic members of Congress outside the Sudanese embassy in Washington for protesting against the expulsion of aid groups from Darfur.
4. Keith is no stranger to controversy an has been on record calling the Affirmative action, a sneaky means of compensating blacks for years of slavery. He instead prefers that white Americans pay reparations to blacks.
5. According to Keith, President has acted in ways that should necessitate a discourse about impeachment.
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Also Read: Top 10 Richest People in the world with full biography and details.
