Why are there limitations to the growth of Black women in state legislatures?
Kamala Harris at a health care rally in 2017. (Wikimedia Commons)
This past November, we witnessed a historic moment in politics with the election of Vice President Kamala Harris, an Indian American and Black woman. This, coupled with the record number of Black women candidates and newly elected officials may mark the beginning of a shift. However, too many Americans believed that “we have overcome.” The victories shifted the conversation but unfortunately have not moved the needle enough on Black women’s representation in state legislatures.
In a recent report by State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL Women), just 4.82 percent of state legislators are Black women (356 out of 7,383 legislators). This problem caused by the racialized patriarchy so entrenched in this country, of which the progressive movement is not immune has wide-r
Print Robert Lang and John Patti, WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5
Gov. Larry Hogan and the leaders of the General Assembly signed the RELIEF Act of 2021 into law to provide stimulus and tax relief to Maryland families and small businesses. The RELIEF Act offers a real lifeline to those hardest hit, people who are struggling to get by and small businesses desperately trying to stay afloat, Hogan said.
It also includes $300 million in aid to small businesses.
Lawmakers added a one-time payment of $1,000 for those who have applied for unemployment but who have not had their claims approved. Senate aides say that group totals 39,000 people.
Print Robert Lang and John Patti, WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5
Gov. Larry Hogan and the leaders of the General Assembly signed the RELIEF Act of 2021 into law to provide stimulus and tax relief to Maryland families and small businesses. The RELIEF Act offers a real lifeline to those hardest hit, people who are struggling to get by and small businesses desperately trying to stay afloat, Hogan said.
It also includes $300 million in aid to small businesses.
Lawmakers added a one-time payment of $1,000 for those who have applied for unemployment but who have not had their claims approved. Senate aides say that group totals 39,000 people.
Black History Month: Speaker Pro Tem Sheree Sample-Hughes making history
February 8, 2021
Eastern Shore, Md. – During Black History Month we are highlighting one of the Maryland’s Eastern Shore’s own who is currently the only African-American representing the Eastern Shore in the state legislature.
Speaker Pro-Tem Sheree Sample-Hughes says she became a lawmaker simply because she wanted to be at the table of change and to make a lasting impact on her community.
Hughes is making history, alongside Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones, as the first two African-American female pair to lead the house.
That milestone is something that the Speaker Pro-Tem says she hopes sends a message to aspiring youth: that African-Americans are no longer taking a seat in the back, but are now in the front making a difference.