As Yvette and I reflect on Black History Month, I’m moved by her sentiment that she lives at the nexus of Black History and the future of Black excellence in her new role in Congressional Black Caucus leadership.
I share my own piece of Black History myself, having been the first Caribbean-born woman elected to New York City Council. I proudly served my community for years, and I’m so proud to now watch as Yvette blazes her own trail and uplifts the next generation of Black leadership in her own right.
I also want to share the story of another Black woman who inspired me to run for office in the first place, Mary Pinkett.
Mary Pinkett was a labor advocate from Brooklyn who became the first African-American elected to the New York City Council in 1974. In a city so fundamentally shaped by Black artists, entrepreneurs, and communities, it’s shocking that it took so long for us to see true representation in local politics.
Mary went on to serve until 2001, and while on the Council, she fought for equity for workers, women, and Black New Yorkers from all backgrounds. She served the people of Brooklyn for nearly 30 years.
I served alongside her, having been elected myself in 1991.
When we see people who look like us in positions of power, we imagine how we can take part in creating a better world, a better future. Black History Month isn’t just about sharing black and white photos of the people who came before, but recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of giants – and are thinking about what the next year and next generations will accomplish.
Yvette Clarke is the ONLY Black woman representing New York in Washington. She has a known track record of bringing together moderates and progressives to pass progressive legislation to help communities of color, low-income families, immigrants, and more. If you'd like only the most important updates, you can opt for fewer emails here, but if you don't want to keep Yvette proudly representing Brooklyn, you can unsubscribe.
