“Trust Black women.” Trust the Black women who have experienced—and continue to experience—the ugliest that this nation has to offer and still survive. Trust the Black women who have experienced interracial, intraracial, and state sexual violence, but still believe that empowered, whole, and healthy Black communities can change the world. Trust the Black women who demand that this nation reckon with the white supremacist capitalist patriarchy that this nation was founded upon if we are serious about reimagining a world in which demanding justice and equity for all is not a radical concept, but an expected one. While Black women in leadership roles are imperative, cosmetic diversity is not enough. Voters also need to be informed about a candidate’s politics, their values, and who and what they are willing to fight for and against. In honor of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to serve in the U.S. Congress (1968) and the first Black person—and woman—to seek a major political party’s nomination for president of the United States (1972), ESSENCE presents The Chisholm List. The Chisholm List profiles 59 Black women running for political office during the 2018 midterm elections. They are activists, organizers, mothers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, artists, and CEOs—and they are ready to lead. Read about them here and then check out their campaign websites to learn more. Discuss these candidates on Twitter using the hashtag #TheChisholmList.
ESSENCE does not endorse candidates on this non-partisan list. This list is for voter information only.
#TheChisholmList Editorial Team
Writers
Britni Danielle
Breanna Edwards
Donna Owens
Editors
Yesha Callahan
Marquita Harris
Kirsten West Savali
Copy Editor