University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has elected an African-American as Student Senate president for the first time in its 146-year history.
Damani Bolden, a Chicago Public School graduate, triumphed last week after beating three other candidates with 59 percent of total votes.
He is currently a student at the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Bolden, 21, said that his passion for politics encouraged him to take part in the elections.
"I was ecstatic. I hugged my roommate, and I walked out and called my mom," he said. "It's just something I was born to do. I love to serve people and I love education. In student government, the two merge together.
His father Brandon Howliet told abc that he always wanted to be a leader since childhood and often made speeches in a tie and shirt in front of family members.
Bolden said that the election results significantly proves that society is progressing in terms of race relations.
As Student Senate president, he wishes to provide support to the student community so that they feel comfortable approaching him with problems, being transparent in budget and budgeting process and to improve student senators' leadership skills and incorporate necessary tools and skills within themselves not only to be an effective student leader but to be leaders in different walks of life.
Bolden has been a student senator for two terms and has also served on several student committees on campus.
Chicago's DuSable Museum of African American History has awarded him with its first 'Rising Star' award for his achievement.
