First African American woman elected to council in Horsham

Horsham, Pa. (WTXF) - One woman is making history in Montgomery County as the first African American woman elected to council.

Decades before the declaration of independence was signed just 10 miles away, the Township of Horsham, Pa. was incorporated. While they celebrate 300 years this year-- Horsham is marking another major milestone.

Veronica Hill-Milbourne is preparing to be sworn in as Horsham Township's very first African American council person following a very tight election.

"I couldn't believe it. My husband woke me up the next morning and said congratulations. I said what for he said you won," she told FOX 29.

The busy healthcare executive says she knew stepping up for change would not be easy.

"Exactly, you can't just sit back and talk about it. You have to be the change that you want to happen,' she said. "It's an enormous responsibility. However, I've got some very talented people on council with me."

One of those is marking another milestone along with Hill-Milbourne-- Bill Gallagher-- he will join her as the first Democrats elected to the Horsham Township council since the mid-70's.

"I think one of the great challenges as Democrats is to continue to strengthen and enhance an already great community," he said.

"We need that vision. We need it to keep the township moving forward," Horsham Township Manager William T. Walker said.

Veronica Hill-Milbourne is not the only first in her family to answer the call to serve the public. Just 2 years ago, her husband Dr. Michael Milbourne became the first African American coroner in the area.