For Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the ERA Advocates hosted a panel on Black women in politics.
Featured were students and professors who discussed the topics of race and gender in the modern and historical U.S. political system.
Over the course of the panel, Melissa Ford, associate history professor at Slippery Rock University, discussed the history of Black women running for president or heading political parties.
“Not everyone can take a ‘Black history’ or ‘women in politics’ class,” said Ford. “These events help people get out of their comfort zone and confront histories they might not normally learn.”
During the presentation section of the panel, Ford showcased many women who had paved the way for Kamala Harris, a 2024 presidential candidate. Many of whom the audience had no prior knowledge of.
Shown during the presentation, Harris gave a speech after being announced as vice president for the Biden administration. “I reflect on their struggle, their determination and the strength of their vision to see what can be unburdened by what has been,” Harris said. “And I stand on their shoulders tonight.”
Charlotta Bass is one of those women, and someone the panel spoke extensively about. Bass was the first ever Black woman elected for vice president, as well as heading the progressive party.
Some relevant famous quotes discussed were “Jim Crow has got to go,” and “Win or lose, we win by raising the issues.”
Raising these issues is something that the ERA Advocates feel strongly about. Their president and founder, Ariella Westreich, also spoke during the panel.
“Expanding knowledge and bringing awareness to people is really important,” said Westreich. “[We host these events] to educate others on Black history and people or events that aren’t talked about or are often overlooked.”
If you are interested in joining the ERA Advocates, or would like to see more of their panels, they hold meetings on Mondays from 6-7 p.m. in Spotts 115.
