DELMARVA – As we look at the accomplishments of African Americans over the past 400 years, we’re specifically highlighting the progress we’ve made in politics. We’ve seen representation grow, but it’s the importance of continuing those efforts that current leaders say will make all the difference.
You become what you see unless you see what you want to become; So it’s important for people to see us.” Political leaders like U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester have paved the way for other African Americans to take a seat at the political table.
Blunt Rochester, born during the civil rights movement says it’s her upbringing and those who also paved the way for her, that shape her now. “From the 60s to the 70s where it was a time of black power and the women’s movement, and ecology and caring about the planet,” says Senator Blunt Rochester.
While the senator is one of two black women to serve currently in the U.S. Senate, her work isn’t only about representation, it’s about working together to better all communities. “I want us to recognize that we are linked to each other, we are tied to each other, and when only some of us succeed, that’s not good enough, that’s not what we were put on this planet for.”
That’s a sentiment echoed by Maryland delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes. “It’s not about for me the politics in it. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent or whatever. If you need something and I can provide that level of assistance then I’m certainly going to do that.”
Delegate Sample-Hughes made her mark on history as the first and youngest African American female to serve on the Wicomico County Council in 2006,
eventually becoming the only African American female elected from District 37A – and the whole eastern shore to the general assembly. “It’s a lot of work and accountability to not just rest on our laurels of what’s been achieved but we have to continue to be engaged.”
She says being elected is a privilege, but connecting with the community is a duty those in the political realm say is essential to move forward. “It’s been a wonderful journey in learning the community intimately, not just hearing the concerns that are on the macro level of road construction issues, sewer projects, and things like that. I had the opportunity to go into people’s homes and address the fact that they may not have running water because a particular landlord felt that it wasn’t a priority.”
“It’s important that we have people at the tables and leading the tables who not only look like us but represent us and aren’t afraid to speak for us,” says Salisbury City Council President, D’Shawn Doughty. As a young black male in a seat such as this, Doughty says it took reflection and hard work to achieve. “It wasn’t until our President Obama was elected in 2008 that I saw someone, of course, a black male setting the stage for politics, especially on that level. I thought if he could do that, then the possibilities are endless.”
From the national level to the state, and locally, these leaders believe for progress to be made – it takes more than just a few seats at the political table. “You look at the Eastern Shore, we’re represented. It is getting younger, it is getting more colorful, it is getting louder and it is getting good, I’m excited for how the eastern shore, how Maryland is moving,” says Doughty,
Senator Blunt Rochester is one of two black women to serve in the U.S. Senate for the first time in our nation’s history.
Meanwhile, Delegate Sample-Hughes says she’s working on a virtual town hall so more people in the community can be informed about bills and discussions circulating in the general assembly.
All three political leaders encourage the community to stay informed – and always get involved, especially if you want change.