Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, takes the Oath of Office to become the House speaker for the 102nd General Assembly for the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday at the Bank of Springfield Center. (Credit: Justin L. Fowler of The State Journal-Register) Historic victory ushers in new era of Black political power after fall of Michael Madigan Crusader Staff Report In a historic victory, State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch, a Democrat from Hillside, was elected Illinois’ first-ever Black House Speaker, ending the long era for veteran State Representative Michael Madigan, while ushering in a new chapter of Black political power in Springfield.