Bill Jefferson is a politician who served as the United States Representative for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district from 1991 to 2008. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was the first African American to represent Louisiana in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was also the first African American to serve as the Majority Whip in the House of Representatives. During his time in office, he was a strong advocate for civil rights and economic development in his home state.