Today, we are highlighting three black women who have found success in the political realm in a variety of roles. These three women have profoundly impacted politics in our country by advocating and fighting for the issues most important to them, most specifically issues relating to social justice. We are inspired by each of these powerful women, and we are excited to share more about them with you.
Senator Kamala Harris is a lawyer and politician who was the second African-American woman in history to be elected as a Senator, and she was the first African-American and the first woman to serve as California’s Attorney General. She is at the forefront of major civil rights battles. Harris has fought for issues like women’s health, the rights of children and students, and criminal justice reform.
“My mother had a saying: 'Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you're not the last.'” –Kamala Harris
Michelle Obama is a lawyer and author, as well the first African-American first lady of the United States. As first lady, she focused on social issues like poverty awareness, health, and education, and she published her first book, Becoming, discussing her experiences from childhood to the White House.
“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” –Michelle Obama
Tarana Burke is an activist who started the MeToo hashtag to help women who are survivors of sexual assault, and it quickly became a broad international movement. She has worked in social justice for many years, and she is passionate about the causes of people of color and other marginalized groups with a focus on young women. She has brought critical attention to social movements she has created and the groups she had worked with.
“Get up. Stand up. Speak up. Do something” –Tarana Burke
Harris’s work in her roles in government, Obama’s work as first lady and beyond, and Burke’s work as an activist have all resulted in critical political momentum, as well as changes to our society and our values. We look up to them and all they have accomplished.
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