Though their accolades are certainly still due, Black women have long played a vital role in shaping the political landscape of the United States. There are so many women who made it their duty to strive towards racial and gender equality, shattering barriers in a male-dominated arena. As politicians, advocates and leaders, Black women have done incredible work bringing the issues affecting marginalized communities to the forefront of political discourse.
From the civil rights movement to Congress, Black women have prevailed against strife and proven that their voices matter. Their contributions have been and will always be vital for the progress of the nation. Here are nine Black female politicians who have made history with their trailblazing leadership.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris served as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to be elected as Vice President of the United States. A former senator from California, Harris is a fierce advocate for social justice, criminal justice reform and immigration rights. There is never a time when she wasn’t doing the work. In fact, before becoming Vice President, she was the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as California’s Attorney General. Throughout her career, Harris has broken down numerous racial and gender barriers, serving as a symbol to women of color that they too can rise to leadership positions.
Maxine Waters
A piece of history embodied, Maxine Waters has been a trailblazer in American politics for over three decades. She has used every ounce of her vitality to make this country a better place for people of color and marginalized communities. Serving as the U.S. Representative for California’s 43rd district since 1991, Waters is one of the most senior African American women in Congress. Known for her unapologetic leadership, the 86-year-old has fought tooth and nail for affordable housing, consumer protection, civil rights and financial regulation. As the former chair of the House Financial Services Committee, she even led efforts to reform Wall Street following the 2008 financial crisis. Waters’ fearless advocacy and consistent stance on social justice issues makes her a living political legend.
Jasmine Crockett
Known for being unapologetically blunt, Jasmine Crockett is a rising star in the political scene. In 2022, the people elected her to represent Texas’s 30th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a former civil rights attorney, Crockett’s legal career focused on defending voting rights and advocating for marginalized communities. People praise her for always being ready to course correct anyone bold enough to underestimate her power. She’s played a major role in Texas legislature’s debates over voter suppression laws. Crockett is one of the new generation of progressive leaders, who protect and expand civil rights, education and healthcare.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Sydney Kamlager-Dove represents California’s 37th district in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022. However, her story starts way before that. She formally served in the California State Senate and Assembly, where she was a strong advocate for social justice, affordable housing and improving public education. Born and raised in Chicago, she had tumultuous surrounding to inform her desire for change. Kamlager-Dove won’t back away from tackling issues, like racial inequality, police reform and healthcare access. She continues to advocate for policies that promote equality and economic opportunity.
Summer Lee
Summer Lee made history in 2022 when she became the first Black woman to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives. She’s worked in politics for as long as possibly could. In fact, she campaigned for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic primaries after graduating from Howard University. As a former state representative, Lee focused on progressive policies such as universal healthcare, climate action and racial justice. Lee’s experience campaigning and advocating for working-class families and communities of color have earned her the trust of her supporters. Her victory is a major step toward greater diversity and representation in Pennsylvania’s political landscape.
Lisa Blunt Rochester
Lisa Blunt Rochester has long been a voice for progressive change in Washington. In fact, she made history in 2016 as the first woman and the first African American to represent Delaware in the U.S. House of Representatives. She’s pretty blunt when it comes to her stance on issues, like healthcare, economic development, and criminal justice reform. Her legislative efforts focus on expanding access to healthcare, ensuring affordable education and reducing income inequality. As a former Delaware Secretary of Labor, she has many years of experience advocating for workers’ rights.
Lucy McBath
One of the many Americans personally impacted by gun violence, Lucy McBath is a powerful advocate for gun reform. She represents Georgia’s 6th district in the U.S. House of Representatives. McBath’s advocacy stems from being the mother of Jordan Davis, a teenager killed by gun violence in 2012. Since the tragedy, McBath has become a prominent voice for gun violence prevention. She has worked tirelessly to pass legislation that addresses gun safety and supports victims of violence.
Frederica Wilson
With a cowboy hat and bright smile, Frederica Wilson has represented Florida’s 24th district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2011. She has been a leading voice on issues, such as education, gun violence, and women’s rights. Known for her large and colorful hats, she has never let her style compromise on justice. Wilson is a fierce advocate for children, particularly through her work on improving educational opportunities in underserved communities. With a firmly direct approach, Wilson is a passionate fighter for social justice and equality.
Valerie Foushee
In 2022, Valerie Foushee made history as the first woman and the first African American to represent North Carolina’s 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. The mother of two has been marked by her dedication to civil rights, women’s rights and improving access to education. As a former member of the North Carolina Senate, she stood loudly behind policies that prioritized on economic development, healthcare access and criminal justice reform. Present day, she continues to advocate for racial justice, climate change efforts and affordable healthcare for all Americans.