Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations

New PAC Aims To Combat Social Injustices By Electing Women Of Color

Founding members of the Rising Power PAC
Founding members of the Rising Power PAC have a goal of raising $1 million dollars by the end of the year to help elect women of color in Virginia. Yasmine Jumaa/WCVE

This year is the 400th anniversary of Virginia’s legislative body. The first woman of color wasn’t elected until 1983 -- and that was Yvonne Miller. She made history serving in both the House and Senate.

Del. Marcia Price (D-Newport News) said it was time for more women of color to step into leadership roles.

“Our representative democracy should truly be representative,” said Price.

In 2019, the General Assembly still lacks diversity. Only 10 percent of seats are held by women of color.

But their voices were amplified in February when reporters dug up a racist photo from Gov. Ralph Northam’s yearbook page; days later, Attorney General Mark Herring admitted he wore blackface in the ‘80s, and two women accused Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assault.


Tags

You Might Also Like

Support Local News and Stories: How You Help Sustain VPM

Community members – like you – sustain VPM so we can deliver local news coverage, educational programming and inspiring stories. Your donations make it possible.

Support Now
CTA Image