NATION IN BRIEF : TENNESSEE : Black Wins Mayoral Election in Memphis

Willie Herenton was born into a broken home and spent his early years in segregated schools. He became a boxer and worked his way through school by unloading boxcars. After defeating two-term incumbent Richard Hackett by 172 votes, Herenton, 51, has become Memphis’ first black elected mayor. “I think the message is clear. One’s deprived background does not have to be a major impediment to success,” said Herenton, who won 49.45% of the vote. Past Memphis elections required a runoff when no candidate got 50%, but a federal judge prohibited runoffs in citywide races following a lawsuit charging that such a system has been used to discriminate against black candidates.