Derell Wilson, Norwich's first Black state representative, shares his story

NORWICH — Despite being someone who has been active in the community since he was young, Derell Wilson said he couldn't imagine where he is today back then.

“It’s humbling to be the first minority representative to represent the city of Norwich in Hartford,” he said.

On Tuesday night, 30-year-old Wilson (D) was declared the winner of the 46th State Representative seat, formerly held by Emmett Riley (D), who did not run this year. Wilson defeated Robert Bell (R) 2135 to 1783.

According to the NAACP Norwich Branch's research, Wilson is the first Black person to represent the city at the state level, said Branch President Shiela Hayes.

Bell issued a statement Wednesday morning wishing his opponent success.

“Good luck to all Norwich residents moving forward with a new voice,” he stated. “May Derell Wilson serve us honorably.”

Wilson considers himself humbled by this opportunity also because of the trust people put into him.

“When you watch others serve, you step forward to serve,” he said.

Connecticut District 46 state rep.What Derell Wilson wants to do as Norwich state representative

What happens with Wilson's Norwich City Council seat?

Wilson has been on the Norwich City Council since winning a seat in 2019. He has often brought up ways the city can reach more people in its decision-making processes.

Once Tuesday's election victory is official, Wilson said he has to leave his council seat before he is sworn in as the state representative in January. When this happens, there will be a special election to fill the Norwich City Council seat.

Wilson's activism in Norwich started young

Starting at age 10, Wilson served a decade as president of the Norwich NAACP Robertsine Duncan Youth Council. He also served as president of the state NAACP Youth and College Division. Wilson said he found mentors along the way, including Hayes and the late Norwich NAACP President Jacqueline Owens, learning about the importance of civil rights and the impact people in power have on the community is huge.

“I’ve had a front row seat to the impact that those in leadership make," he said.

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Another important influence on Wilson’s life is his late twin brother Terell Wilson, who served on the Norwich City Council from 2013 to 2015, and died in 2016. Derell Wilson said he always did everything with his brother, whether it was helping Terell Wilson’s campaign, or the two of them running a clothing drive as middle school students.

“We’ve celebrated some great milestones together, and this is one where I wish we could celebrate together,” Wilson said.

While Wilson sees his state representative service as a continuation of his City Council work, he said he will miss the day-to-day interactions with his colleagues in the council and on committees.

During the election, he said he learned to be flexible in his plans, and to listen to everyone. Looking forward to Hartford, he wants to keep listening to the community.

“I’m excited and ready to give,” he said.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Nov. 8 election results: Derell Wilson Norwich's first Black state rep