30 BLACK INFLUENCERS: The New York Christian Times’ annual list in partnership with The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and other partners.

HON. DAVID PATERSON

• First African American governor in the history of New  York State
• Prior to assuming governorship, he served as New York State’s lieutenant governor
• The Harlem State Senate seat he won in 1985 was once held by his father, former New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson