Jan. 27, 1997: Morris W. Hood is first black chair of Michigan House Appropriations Committee
![Jan. 27, 1997: Morris W. Hood is first black chair of Michigan House Appropriations Committee Jan. 27, 1997: Morris W. Hood is first black chair of Michigan House Appropriations Committee](https://motorcitymuckraker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/995318_1420955978144912_683147122_n.jpg)
The appointment is historic: Hood, a 62-year-old Democrat who has served in the chamber since 1971, is the first African-American to hold the post in state history.