By Ashlee BanksSpecial to the AFRO
Within the ever-evolving panorama of American politics, Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-In poor health.-14) and Shontel Brown (D-Ohio-11) stand out as dynamic leaders devoted to advocacy, coverage and the pursuit of fairness for his or her constituents. As Black ladies in Congress, they’re shaping legislative priorities whereas championing points essential to public well being, financial stability and social justice.
Rep. Lauren Underwood made historical past in 2018 when she grew to become the youngest Black lady ever elected to Congress. Representing Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, Underwood introduced a wealth of experience as a registered nurse and former Obama administration official specializing in public well being coverage. Her background informs her management on healthcare points, notably in maternal well being and increasing entry to inexpensive care.
Underwood instructed the AFRO that she ran for workplace in 2017 after then-Congressman Randall Mark Hultgren didn’t ship on his promise of defending folks with preexisting situations.
“I launched my marketing campaign in 2017 after watching my congressman break his phrase about defending well being care protection for folks like me with preexisting situations,” stated Underwood. “After he broke his phrase…I and have become the youngest black lady ever elected.”
“I’m nonetheless very motivated round the concept each American ought to have healthcare— interval. Individuals shouldn’t be dying preventable deaths due to severity, lack of entry, racism inside our healthcare system, and many others.,” she added.
Underwood co-founded the Black Maternal Well being Caucus and launched the Black Maternal Well being Momnibus Act, a sweeping legislative bundle aimed toward addressing racial disparities in maternal well being outcomes. Recognizing that Black ladies in America are thrice extra more likely to die from pregnancy-related problems than their White counterparts, Underwood has tirelessly labored to go bipartisan measures that tackle systemic inequalities in healthcare.
Underwood instructed the AFRO she has launched this laws as a result of “Black ladies are three or 4 occasions extra more likely to die of being pregnant associated problems from their White counterparts.”
“The disparities are getting worse after COVID…80 % of the deaths that we see are preventable,” she added. “So, my invoice is to handle each scientific and nonclinical issue.”
Past maternal well being, Underwood has advocated for reducing prescription drug prices, increasing psychological well being companies, and making certain protections for folks with preexisting situations. Her pragmatic method to coverage and bipartisan efforts have made her a rising star throughout the Democratic Occasion and a revered voice on public well being issues.
Rep. Shontel Brown, who represents Ohio’s eleventh Congressional District, first received her seat in a 2021 particular election following the departure of Marcia Fudge to grow to be Secretary of Housing and City Growth. Previous to Congress, Brown served as a Cuyahoga County Council member and chair of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Occasion, demonstrating her long-standing dedication to progressive governance and neighborhood advocacy.
Brown instructed the AFRO that her run for Congress got here on the proper time.
“Biden and Harris had the infinite knowledge to nominate my predecessor to grow to be a member of the cupboard as secretary of HUD. It was excellent timing. The chance offered itself, and I felt very a lot ready to step up and try to fill these huge footwear of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge,” stated Brown.
Since arriving in Washington, Brown has prioritized insurance policies that promote financial improvement, job creation, and funding in underserved communities. As a member of the Home Agriculture and Oversight Committees, she has labored on insurance policies addressing meals insecurity, environmental justice, and infrastructure enhancements, notably in communities of shade.
Brown instructed the AFRO that her constituents are the rationale she wakes up on a regular basis.
“Once I campaigned, I dedicated to preventing to ship outcomes for them, and that was the status I had once they elected me and one which I proceed to attempt to preserve,” stated Brown.
The congresswoman plans to reintroduce the U-FIGHT Act to advertise early detection, remedy and analysis on uterine fibroids.
“It is a key piece of laws, I feel a giant one within the ladies’s well being area,” stated the Democratic lawmaker. “This challenge impacts 60 % of girls and 80 % of black ladies, and it’s the main explanation for hysterectomy in ladies.”
Brown has additionally been a robust advocate for voting rights and social justice, pushing for federal protections towards voter suppression and supporting the John Lewis Voting Rights Development Act. Her management displays a dedication to making sure that each one People, notably marginalized communities, have a voice in democracy.
Underwood and Brown exemplify the subsequent technology of Black ladies leaders in Congress—leaders who’re policy-driven, community-focused and unafraid to problem the established order. Their work spans essential points, from healthcare and financial justice to civil rights and schooling, reflecting their dedication to creating tangible change for his or her constituents and past.
