Burris Sworn In as U.S. Senator - Black Enterprise

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Burris Sworn In as U.S. Senator

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Burris
Roland Burris has officially become a U.S. senator, making him the only black member of the Senate. He was sworn in by Vice President Dick Cheney Thursday at a Capitol Hill ceremony. His new colleagues in the Senate chamber applauded after his swearing in, according to reports. Burris will hold the seat for the remainder of the term ending in 2010.

He takes his seat, one left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama, alongside fellow Democrats who were initially against his appointment amid the controversy surrounding Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The governor, who’s been impeached by lawmakers, is accused of trying to sell the Senate seat.

Burris has testified under oath that he promised nothing in return for the appointment and has no connection to the corruption charges facing the governor. Blagojevich continues to maintain his innocence.

Janell Hazelwood
Janell Hazelwood is associate managing editor at Black Enterprise, managing content across core areas of Money, Career, Small Business and Technology. She is also a featured blogger with My Two Cents, providing insights on branding, millennial career development, employment trends and leadership. She was previously a content producer and copy editor for Black Enterprise magazine, working across several editorial sections. The Hampton University graduate got her start in the newspaper industry, having worked for companies including The New York Times and Scripps Howard News Service. Her works and insights have appeared on The Huffington Post, MadameNoire, E!Online, Brazen Careerist, CBS News, and Arise TV.

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