The Birmingham Times
Alabama State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, (D-Birmingham) will lead a group of leaders during a reception Thursday in Washington D.C. as Vice President Kamala Harris hosts Black women elected officials from across the nation.
Harris in collaboration with the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative (NOBEL) Women and Higher Heights Leadership Fund will host the event at the Vice President’s residence to recognize the impact of Black women in shaping democracy in their communities and across the country.
Givan, who serves Alabama House of Representatives, District 60, is National President of NOBEL Women.
“We are honored to host this reception alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Higher Heights for America, to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Black women elected executives, legislators, and those serving in judicial capacities,” Givan said. “Their contributions to our society have been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive and equitable nation.”
The reception will feature remarks from Black women leaders and acknowledge those who have achieved milestones in their political careers and recognize their outstanding leadership and dedication to public service.
“The resilience and tenacity of Black women are without measure,” Givan said. “We are the metal rivets that hold together American democracy. Since the days of Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman to Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary McLeod Bethune we are the hopes and dreams of the enslave people brought to this country in the year 1619. Since that time, Black women have fought tirelessly for freedom and equality not just for ourselves but for others in and around our communities,” she said. “From Dorothy Irene Height to Shirley Chisholm, no one can argue that Black women have been the foundation of progressive and necessary change in our nation.”
NOBEL is more than 380 black women strong and “like our acronym sounds, noble, distinguished, benevolent, dignified,” Givan said. “… We served as a catalyst to provide economic and social justice for all classes and races of people. We work actively to increase the number of Black women in elected office, and we are purposed to see this network of women grow. With partners in the fight such as Higher Heights for America, we will surpass this goal.”
The National Organization of Black Elected Legislative (NOBEL) Women is a non-profit, non-partisan organization primarily composed of current and former black women legislators as well as many appointed officials. For more visit http://nobelwomen.org.
Higher Heights is the leading national organization exclusively dedicated to advancing Black women’s political power by ensuring they have the tools to engage, advocate and lead in their personal and professional communities. For more visit: www.higherheightsleadershipfund.org
