When Shirley Chisholm was elected to Congress in 1968, she made history as the first Black woman to serve in that role. She blazed a trail for other Black women to follow in her footsteps. As a matter of fact, it set significant precedence on the possibilities of what Black women could accomplish.
Think about it. Imagine if she was not elected. How much longer would it have taken for a Black woman to crack such a pivotal ceiling. Trust me, a hell of a lot longer. She made a difference, just like on January 3, 2019, when the 116th United States Congress was sworn in. It marked a number of "firsts," including the largest number of minority women to ever serve in one session of Congress (43 to be exact). These victories are significant not only because they shatter ceilings but also because they signal a change in how our political landscape looks and who is leading it.
In a time when many are calling for equitable change and progress within our country, President Joe Biden has pledged to nominate a Black woman to replace retiring Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Stephen Bryer.
This nomination is significant because it not only reinforces America's diversity but also represents an opportunity for progress in gender equality. Any Black woman nominated and confirmed would be the first to serve on the nation's highest court (Thurgood Marshall was the first Black man to hold the seat). No matter who it is, her stories of overcoming obstacles and achieving success will inspire us all to continue striving for equitable opportunities and political equality.
In recent years there has been a notable increase in the number of women who are elected to lead legislative bodies in the United States. And despite the barriers, Black women are shattering glass ceilings and making their voices heard on Capitol Hill. Their experiences and insights are valuable additions to the legislative process, and they will no doubt continue to make important contributions to our country's future. This is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but it begs the question: why are there still so few Black women at the top?
This shift in representation has been important not only because it reflects the growing need in the diversity of our nation but also because women legislators are more likely to champion policies that improve the lives of elderly, women, and children (especially balancing out laws affecting minorities). And in light of the evidence of the big shift of the 116th Congress, it is clear that we need more minority women leading in Congress. This is why the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court position is so important.
Black women are capable of leading and making change.
It is crucial that these women continue to lead and make their voices heard, as they represent an increasingly large portion of the population. Black women face unique challenges, and their representation in Congress will show future generations there is room at the top for them. And while it's important to remember that representation alone does not equate to progress, a position of that Congressional stature makes way for diversity, equity, inclusion, and equality.
Not Fake News welcomes Dr. Pam Gurley to our roster of contributing writers. Dr. Gurley is an accomplished author, CEO, podcaster, professor, professional speaker and businesswoman. Her ultimate objective: Work every day to change how Black women are perceived.
Listen to Dr. Pam as she is interviewed by Bob Gatty on the Lean to the Left Podcast, now streaming.