K. Leroy Irvis (1916-2006)

Member of Pa. House of Reps., serving 15 consecutive terms. In 1977 he became the first African American Speaker of a state legislature since the era of Reconstruction, and was the state’s longest serving Speaker. He was influential in enacting 264 bills including establishment of the Pa. Human Relations Commission and laws enhancing equal access to education. Active in state and national Democratic Party politics, his office was here. (Dedicated: Thursday, April 3, 2008)