Kevin Johnson will hold court as mayor. Barack Obama isn’t the only Black man to make political history in last week’s elections. Ex-Phoenix Suns star Kevin Johnson was voted Sacramento’s first Black mayor. Johnson, who specializes in community development, was once among the NBA’s most talented point guards. He convincingly defeated incumbent Heather Fargo in the mayoral race. Like Obama, “KJ,” as he was called on the court, faces the task of reversing an enormous financial deficit. Sac-town is reportedly $58 million in the hole.

Venus Williams wins WTA Championships. Venus Williams is the first American to win the Sony Ericsson WTA Championships since her sister Serena took the title in 2001. Williams beat Vera Zvonareva in the final win, as her younger sister sat out the remainder of the tournament due to injury. “It was a hard fought match right down to the end,” Williams says. “I am so excited. I wanted it so bad.” Williams’ $1.3 million prize in the tournament moves her past Martina Navratilova into fourth place as top tennis money-makers.