Owens Brown

Owens Brown is an American politician and activist who served as a member of the West Virginia Senate from the 1st district from 2021 to 2022. He was appointed in September 2021, succeeding incumbent Democrat William Ihlenfeld, who retired to become the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia.[1][2] Upon his appointment, Brown became the first African American man to serve in the West Virginia Senate.[3] In 2022, Brown lost in a primary election to delegate Randy Swartzmiller, who lost in the general election to Laura Wakim Chapman.

Owens Brown
Member of the West Virginia Senate
from the 1st district
In office
October 10, 2021 – December 1, 2022
Preceded byWilliam J. Ihlenfeld II
Succeeded byLaura Wakim Chapman
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic

Brown also became just the second Black member in the Senate after Marie Redd.

Personal

Brown lives in Wheeling, West Virginia.[1] Brown currently serves as the president of the West Virginia NAACP, a position he has held since 2015.[1] Prior to his appointment, Brown worked for nearly 30 years as an organization development specialist for the West Virginia Education Association, and served as the human and civil rights coordinator.

Brown holds a master’s degree in agency counseling from West Virginia University, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Liberty University and an associate’s degree in electro/mechanical engineering from Belmont Technical College.[4]

References
  1. McElhinny, Brad (October 7, 2021). "Justice names NAACP President Owens Brown to open Senate seat". West Virginia MetroNews.
  2. Olson, Alan (October 8, 2021). "Owens Brown tapped to fill state senate seat". Martins Ferry Times Leader.
  3. "West Virginia's NAACP Chapter President Owens Brown Becomes First Black Man In State Senate". KDKA-TV. October 8, 2021.
  4. "Alumnus Owens Brown Appointed to WV Senate". October 14, 2021.


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