Women of color represent 20% of the US population yet make up only 8.8% of Congress. But since 2015, the numbers of women of color have increased dramatically as both candidates and elected officials — up 40% in Congress and up 38% in state legislatures.
Rashida Tlaib in “And She Could Be Next” , which examines how women of color are changing American politics by running for political office. Directed by Grace Lee and Marjan Safinia ,follows six women of color in their campaigns for the 2018 mid-term elections.
Lucy McBath, candidate for U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 6th congressional district, which includes northern suburbs of Atlanta. Abrams says she’s part of a movement that is changing perceptions of Black women in politics: “We’re welcome to be the worker or the voter, but it has been difficult to break in and become the candidate. Often, we are expected to stand by quietly behind others, but we are never expected to be the ones in the front.”
Escobar says for many women of color who run for political office, the stakes are extremely high to give a voice to the underrepresented: “This is the gamble of our lives.” Amiwala was just 19 years old when she ran for a seat on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and she comments in the documentary on the unique perspective that women of color bring to politics: “We don’t have to be victims first to be leaders.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
ThirdLove Launches The TL Effect to Support Businesses Led by Women of ColorThe lingerie brand will provide entrepreneurs with monetary grants and mentorship.
Read more »
ThirdLove Launches The TL Effect to Support Businesses Led by Women of ColorThe lingerie brand will provide entrepreneurs with monetary grants and mentorship.
Read more »
Women Helping Women: A Statement and ChallengeYou might be wondering what I know about women helping women. My name is Renee Flores. I’ve a husband and 2 kids who are both in college…
Read more »
Younger people are a factor in surge of COVID-19 cases, analysis showsThe rapid growth in coronavirus infections among younger Americans is one factor behind why some states have broken single-day records this week, and it marks a new phase in the pandemic.
Read more »
Stock-Market Surge Masks Volatility in Individual SectorsThe S&P 500 is on track for its best quarter since 1998, but despite the dramatic rebound, many sectors are still struggling to find steady footing.
Read more »