They’re bringing change to their communities!
Election night in America has brought another round of firsts and key wins for elected officials that will better serve Black communities nationwide. Kentucky voters came out in droves to oust Daniel Cameron, the Black Republican Attorney General who refused to try the officers who murdered Breonna Taylor. Yusef Salaam, an exonerated member of the Central Park Five, also won his seat in the New York City Council, 34 years after the city wrongfully convicted him in a full circle moment for the activist. Meanwhile, the DC Council unanimously voted to confirm Pamela Smith as the first Black woman police chief of the nation’s capital, which is sure to bring change to the District.
But some wins were more historic than others, voters in Philadelphia and Rhode Island both ushering in a new era of politics. Cherelle Parker made history as the first woman to be elected Mayor of Philadelphia. While Gabriel Amo also made history as the first Black member of Congress in Rhode Island.
A former city council member and school educator, Parker will serve as the 100th mayor of the city of Philadelphia, running her campaign on issues of public safety, economic disparities, and of course, education. She received endorsements from both President Biden and VP Kamala Harris. A native of Philadelphia, Parker hopes to restore the city’s sense of community, Essence reports.
“My message to Philadelphians from all walks of life was that if they would just give me the opportunity, that I would put to great use everything inside of me, my lived life experience, my professional experience, my academic preparation – that I will put all of it to great use to work with you all to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, greenest big city in the nation, with economic opportunity for all,” Parker said during her victory speech.
View this post on Instagramadvertisement
200 miles away, Amo was thanking those who voted for him in the special election to represent Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, WPRI news reports. The 35-year-old former White House staffer is a native of Pawtucket and the son of West African immigrants. He has experience working with former President Barack Obama and President Biden. Replacing Congressman David Cicilline, Amo will finish his term and be up for reelection again next year. While speaking with his supporters on election night, Amo said he never imagined this moment for himself as the son of immigrants.
“When I was eight years old and helping my mother study for the citizenship test, I never could’ve imagined that I would go with her to cast her ballot to vote for her son for the United States Congress,” said Amo.
View this post on Instagramadvertisement
He continued to thank the people of Rhode Island and his peers in politics, saying the future of Rhode Island starts now.
“Thank you to the countless elected officials and volunteers and activists and people who keep our politics full of action, activism, and purpose-driven. It is so important that you are here because the work that we do together starts tonight,” Amo told the crowd.
Congratulations to all of the newly elected officials!
Cover photo: Cherelle Parker & Gabriel Amo Secure Historic Wins in 2023 Election for Philly & Rhode Island/Photos by Cherelle Parker Campaign/Bryce Vickmark/Amo Campaign/Associated Press
Much LOVE!