Historic Milestone: Two Black Women in the U.S. Senate
For the first time in U.S. history, two Black women will serve in the Senate simultaneously. Angela Alsobrooks won her race in Maryland, while Lisa Blunt Rochester triumphed in Delaware, marking a monumental achievement in the 235-year history of the Senate.
Alsobrooks expressed the significance of this moment, reflecting on the fact that out of more than 2,000 people who have served in the Senate, only three have looked like her. Both women avoided focusing too heavily on making history, a strategy popularized by Kamala Harris during her presidential run.
“I think it’s good to make history because it opens doors for others to see themselves in you, but that can’t be the only reason you’re running,” Blunt Rochester said in an interview.
Though they come from neighboring states, Alsobrooks and Blunt Rochester formed a strong bond after running for Senate. Despite facing challenges, such as racist undertones in campaign rhetoric, they supported each other through the election process.
Harris, who has long been a mentor to Alsobrooks, also played a key role in both women’s careers, providing guidance and support. “She will be an experienced leader when she’s in the Senate,” Harris said in a rally where she endorsed Alsobrooks.
As these women prepare to serve together, they have expressed a shared vision of bold leadership, focusing on issues like maternal mortality and advocating for stronger voices for Black women in the Senate. Their partnership symbolizes a new era of political influence, one where diverse voices are not only heard but embraced.
