Hi folks,

In honor of Women’s History Month, I wanted to talk to you about a woman who motivated me to take up politics and inspire future generations of women leaders. But first, I have to ask: will you chip in right now so that I can keep fighting for our future in Congress?

Hanging in the halls of Congress is a magnificent portrait of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress. The sight of her standing there, finger pointed, “unbought and unbossed,” inspires me even through the worst of the gridlock.

I interviewed Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm when I was a senior in college as part of my thesis on Black women in politics. She had just retired from Congress, and her assistant told me I only had 30 minutes with her. I was too excited to meet one of my heroes to care.

Luck was on my side that day, and what was meant to be a 30-minute interview turned into four hours talking with Shirley Chisholm.

Those four hours changed me. I learned what it truly meant to be part of the political process and to overcome the seemingly impossible.

I walked away from that conversation determined to inspire other women the way Shirley Chisholm inspired me.

When I am at my lowest and most discouraged by the political process, I stand in front of that portrait of Shirley Chisholm and let her example inspire me all over again. Looking at her and remembering the obstacles she overcame fuels my drive to deliver nothing but the best for the people of Alabama.

I can only hope that my example will one day inspire other women in the same way.

This Women’s History Month, I encourage you to look for ways you can shape and inspire the next generation of leaders. I’m working hard in Congress to give everyone the opportunity to be someone great. But I can’t do it alone. Can I count on you to chip in to my campaign for Congress?

Thank you for all your support,

Terri Sewell