First Black county attorney in Prince George is not new to making history

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- After its more than three century history, Prince George County has appointed its first Black county attorney.

Hassan Kingsberry is Prince George's newest county attorney, and the first African American to ever hold the position. But it's not the first time Kingsberry has achieved this type of milestone.

Kingsberry comes with years of experience in law and local government. He's served as a local government attorney since 2017.

In his native North Carolina, he was the city manager and city attorney in Henderson, town attorney for Wakeforest and county attorney in Warren County.

"I'm not surprised," Kingsberry said. "In Wakeforest, I was the first African American attorney. I was also their first in-house counsel. And even in Henderson, I was the first African American attorney there."

"But it is monumental, in this day and age, to make history," he said. "So I'm honored to do that."

He started his new role on Feb. 16.

Prince George is demographically 30% Black, according to the latest census. Before this year, it never had a Black county attorney.

"It shows that, even as a nation -- and particularly in our geographic region -- we just still have a long way to go. But the fact that it's happening shows that we're making progress."

When he's not lawyering, Kingsberry loves spending time with his wife and two children. He's getting acclimated to Prince George, and enjoys the rural charm and welcoming people.

"I'm just glad to be here. Glad to serve. Glad to make history," Kingsberry said. "Glad to be representing my people."