Ala. first black U.S. attorney sworn in

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The first black U.S. attorney in the state of Alabama was sworn in Friday.

History is made this afternoon in Mobile.The first black U.S. Attorney in Alabama, Kenyen Brown, took office. At this moment in time, Brown's colleagues say no other person is more capable.

"I know you got what it takes. I know you are going to do great things. And you are going to make a difference in this world,"said retired Judge Lynn Clerdy Bright.

But no one could be prouder than his own parents.

"I tell the people all the time, I would not want his life to go on without being his father, and he has given us many happy times," said father Julius Brown.

Brown becomes the first black U.S. attorney in the state on the same day a civil rights pioneer was born, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"It's an honor and I think Alabama has come a long way," said Brown.

But Brown says regardless of race, he is ready to see that justice is served based on the law alone.

"My commitment is to continue the great legacy of justice in this community, to seek the truth, and to be a servant for the people. We are open for business," Brown said.

Brown was recommended to the post by U.S. Representative Artur Davis.

Brown graduated from the University of Alabama and went to law school at the University of Tennessee.

About Brown.

Upon graduating from law school, Brown moved to Montgomery, Alabama to work as an Assistant District Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit. He moved to Mobile shortly after, accepting a position as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, where he prosecuted drug offenses and general crimes.

Immediately prior to his recent appointment, Brown spent the past ten years working for the ethics committees of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. President Barack Obama nominated Brown on August 6, 2009. He was confirmed by the Senate on November 21, 2009 and entered to serve December 4, 2009. He took the oath of office January 15, 2010.