First Bangladeshi descent Congressman
For the first time in the history of the United States of America, Hansen Hashem Clarke, a Bangladeshi descent democratic member of the Michigan Senate, has won a congressional seat to the United States House of Representatives.
After winning the congressional seat, held by Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick for more than 20 years, Clarke said he would try to fulfil the dreams of the people of United States.
Clarke was born in Detroit, Michigan to a Bangladeshi American father, Mozaffar Ali Hashem from Sylhet, and an African American mother, Thelma Clarke.
Clarke visited his village home a few years ago.
His father died when he was a child. Clarke attended Cass Technical High School, and then got admitted to a prestigious east-coast prep school to complete his high school.
Clarke studied at Cornell University, graduating with a degree in fine arts. While at the university, he became interested in politics.
He was elected to the student seat on the Cornell University Board of Trustees and was a member of the Quill and Dagger society. He then earned a law degree from Georgetown Law School in 1987.
Clarke worked as chief of staff to US Representative John Conyers, as well as in Wayne County during the administration of Edward H McNamara.
