The historic political gains made by black women in 2018
Source: Essence
When Ayanna Pressley heads to Congress in January, the newly elected Massachusetts representative will work from the same office that Shirley Chisholm once occupied decades ago. The symbolism is powerful: Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress 50 years ago, while Pressley is part of the incoming class of Black women who made history of their own in 2018.
The November midterm elections saw five new Black women nab seats in the House, according to Higher Heights for America and the Center for American Women in Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University. In 2019, that cohort will join the 20 Black women already in office including Representatives, non-voting Delegates, and a U.S. Senator. The Congressional Black Caucus will have 50 members, the largest number to date.
“It will be the largest group of Black women officials in Congress,” said Glynda Carr, who co-founded Higher Heights with Kimberly-Peeler Allen to help elect Black women nationwide. “It’s a pivotal moment.”
Others agreed. “Election night 2018 was definitely a historic night for women of color, with groundbreaking gains for African American women,” said Tonya J. Williams, director of strategic communications at EMILY’s List.
Click here to read the full article published by Essence on 20 December 2018.
When Ayanna Pressley heads to Congress in January, the newly elected Massachusetts representative will work from the same office that Shirley Chisholm once occupied decades ago. The symbolism is powerful: Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress 50 years ago, while Pressley is part of the incoming class of Black women who made history of their own in 2018.
The November midterm elections saw five new Black women nab seats in the House, according to Higher Heights for America and the Center for American Women in Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University. In 2019, that cohort will join the 20 Black women already in office including Representatives, non-voting Delegates, and a U.S. Senator. The Congressional Black Caucus will have 50 members, the largest number to date.
“It will be the largest group of Black women officials in Congress,” said Glynda Carr, who co-founded Higher Heights with Kimberly-Peeler Allen to help elect Black women nationwide. “It’s a pivotal moment.”
Others agreed. “Election night 2018 was definitely a historic night for women of color, with groundbreaking gains for African American women,” said Tonya J. Williams, director of strategic communications at EMILY’s List.
Click here to read the full article published by Essence on 20 December 2018.