Twenty Seven-year old Democrat Malcolm Kenyatta made history in the United States midterm elections on Tuesday when he was elected the Pennsylvania State Representative of the 181st District in Philadelphia beating his Republican opponent T. Milton Street.
Describing himself as a “third-generation North Philadelphian and a fierce civic and community advocate” on his campaign website, Kenyatta’s victory makes him the first openly gay black State Representative in the United States.
Also an ardent activist for LGBTQ and minority rights, the Temple University graduate has not been one to shy away from criticizing the Trump administration, describing the president’s priorities as “racist, homophobic, sexist, and hateful”.
Malcolm Kenyatta
While breaking barriers with his victory, his surname has also got some Africans, particularly Kenyans wondering if he is in any way related to the Kenyatta family. As it is widely known, anti-colonial activist and politician Jomo Kenyatta was the first president of Kenya. His son, Uhuru Kenyatta is also the fourth and current president of the East African nation.
With that being said, it is quite interesting to note that Malcolm’s connection to the Kenyatta name is as a result of his grandfather Muhammad Kenyatta. Born Donald Brooks Jackson on March 3, 1944, the African-American professor and staunch civil rights activist changed his name to Muhammad Kenyatta in the 1970s in honour of former Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad and Jomo Kenyatta.
Below are some reactions to his victory and name on Twitter:
Ahaaa… A Kenyatta
— szechuan (@maxmius) November 7, 2018
atleast deni ya huyu tunaeza endea bila kulipa.
— richupeter (@richupeter) November 7, 2018
Congratulations @malcolmkenyatta (Son of Muhammad Kenyatta). We ??are proud to be associated with you. ???? pic.twitter.com/VWBDUSA24t
— Mav Mérc (@Kenreezym) November 7, 2018
We won State House .
Malcolm Kenyatta win Pennsylvania State House District 181.— Malack ?? ? (@obegimalack) November 7, 2018
MALCOLM KENYATTA: This is a special announcement in so many ways! My friend @malcolmforpa has been elected to the Pa House and is the first ever African-American gay man elected to the legislature and only the second Out person ever elected to the House!!! #RainbowWave pic.twitter.com/YL43gsCx0Y
— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) November 7, 2018
Malcom Kenyatta is the grandson of Muhammad Kenyatta who changed his name from Donald Brooks Jackson so thankfully no relation to our landlords. ? pic.twitter.com/mI48ArjRlu
— ヤスケ (@k1mani) November 7, 2018
So Malcolm Kenyatta is not even Kenyan, never set foot in Kenya, but we are claiming him? SMH
— Evgenii (@Awori254) November 7, 2018
One Kenyatta has won State House in #ElectionNight USA ??
Malcolm Kenyatta win Pennsylvania State House District 181. pic.twitter.com/3s8NltoBe9— Joseah Mutai (@JMutai1) November 7, 2018
Malcom Kenyatta *gets popcorn out and grabs a fanta orange* pic.twitter.com/LexwQeEd2x
— ? ダニエル? (@lavishscript) November 7, 2018
