Five iconic Black Women in Politics
Black women have been involved in political matters for decades now and, collectively, they made an undeniable difference in America. Keep reading to learn about five truly iconic black female politicians.
Eddie Bernice Johnson
A true icon, Eddie Bernice Johnson was both the very first Black person and the first woman to become the Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in Texas.
She is at the helm, overseeing scientific research and development for various agencies, including NASA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, and more.
Rep. Johnson is the backbone of countless scientific initiatives and one of her most important goals is keeping science at the forefront of innovation. A few areas of particular importance to Johnson are climate change and cybersecurity.
Lauren Underwood
The youngest black woman ever to serve in the House of Representatives, Lauren Underwood is blazing the trail for black greatness. She is both the first woman and the first black person to serve in her political capacity.
She was sworn in on January 3, 2019. As a nurse, she’s had an intimate relationship with the healthcare system and uses that knowledge and experience to affect change as it pertains to healthcare policy. She beat out Randy Hultgren, the four-time Republican incumbent, in a stunning victory.
Ayanna Pressley
Ayanna Pressley is a black female politician who is currently a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She represents the 7th Congressional District of Massachusetts and was the first black woman from Massachusetts to be elected to Congress.
Pressley has made it her mission to utilize her political power to eradicate discrimination at every turn. She pushes for equality, highlighting the wrongs done to underserved populations and searching for solutions to those problems.
Kamala Harris
A high-profile politician, Kamala Harris uses her status and capabilities as a California State Senator to tackle complex political problems faced by Californians. She focuses on women, people of color, and those with low income but she does not limit her work to these areas.
One of her latest and greatest initiatives is multifaceted and concerns expanding national service programs. Her plan entails: Investing in AmeriCorps, a Climate Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Peace Corps. Establishing several national volunteer programs. Expanding public service loan forgiveness.
Senator Holly Mitchell
Holly Mitchell is a State Senator of California. She’s been busy making California a better place for underserved demographics by authoring various pieces of legal legislation.
One of her most famous pieces of legislation is the Crown Act. While many turned a blind eye to the various instances of unfair treatment based on cultural grooming practices (blacks wearing Afros and dreadlocks/locs), Mitchell saw the problem and acted in a monumental way.
Now, in California, no matter how you decide to wear your hair, you can be confident that there is legislation in place with an aim to protect you. She has also made positive changes in areas like homelessness and contraception.
Smartbook
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