By Sam Douglass

The walls of the Statehouse are adorned with many milestones and firsts in Vermont’s political history. Now, one more will join them. 

On Tuesday, a gathering of lawmakers, state officials, and members of the public honored the first black woman elected to the legislature with the unveiling of a portrait to be hung in the State House. 

Former Rep. Louvenia Dorsey Bright served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1989 to 1994, representing South Burlington. As a young adult, she volunteered in the Peace Corps alongside her husband, William. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education, and built a career teaching and advocating for equality, justice, and civil rights. Bright passed away in 2023 but is survived by her husband and children, who spoke during the ceremony.

The recognition of Bright’s life and accomplishments follows the similar recognition of former Representative Alexander Twilight, whose own portrait was unveiled in 2022 and now hangs prominently outside of the Senate Judiciary Committee room. Twilight is recognized as the nation’s first black lawmaker, elected to the Vermont House of Representatives from Brownington in 1836 

In addition to her family, speakers at the ceremony included Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers, Chittenden County Senators Martine Gulick and Kesha Ram-Hinsdale, Rep. Saudia LaMont, and Xusana Davis, the executive director of Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity. The portrait was painted by artist Ayana Ross, who also offered remarks at the unveiling ceremony.