President Obama now nominating more blacks to high positions: who is Mel Watt?

By Terry Shropshire
May 01, 2013
9:16 am

Perhaps stung by the growing criticisms that he has made his cabinet a “black-free zone,” President Obama will nominate another African American to a high post in his administration.

On Wednesday, President Obama is expected to announce his intent to nominate Congressman Mel Watt (D-N.C.) to direct the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

FHFA was created in 2008 by the president who signed into law the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Watt will lead the agency’s mission to supervise and regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac if the nomination goes through Congress.

Since Watt is not a household name, let’s familiarize ourselves with who he is: