Executive Vice Chair, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus

Executive Vice Chair, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus

— Awards:

• "Leaders of Lansing", University of Michigan Alumni Magazine, Fall 2011
• "Distinguished Leadership Award", Michigan Business and Professional Association, Michigan Food and Beverage Association, 2011
• "Alumnae of the Year", Marygrove College, 2011
• "Women of Excellence", Michigan Chronicle, 2011
• "Great Expectation: Great Promise In the Next Generation", National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• "20 in their 20's", Crain's Detroit Business, 2010
• "The Power of a Woman's Voice", American Association of University Women, 2010
• "Difference Maker", University of Michigan-Dearborn, 2010
• "Rising Star", Michigan Chronicle, 2009
• "Elected Official of the Year", Fannie Lou Hammer, 2009
• "Young History Maker", Michigan Front Page, 2009

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

In 1970, Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to serve in the United States Congress, courageously wrote in a national publication, "At present, our country needs women's idealism and determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else."

Forty-two years later, her sentiment still rings true. As I have watched our nation's elected leaders debate many of the issues that matter most to women and working class families, it is painfully clear that there are not enough of our voices at the table. Right now, there are no women Democrats serving in Michigan's congressional delegation. Michigan's Democratic women must be heard in Congress and our delegation needs balance. I'm running because we deserve better.

Growing up in a working class family on Detroit's west side; I learned very early to speak up for myself and for what I believe. I have always fought to be in the room where the decisions are made. Over the past six years as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, I have carried that lesson with me every day to Lansing. I have been a resounding voice for working class families, single mothers, children, seniors and everyday people, who simply dream of a future that is brighter than the present.

I'm running for U.S. Congress to bring a fresh, diverse, energetic perspective to Washington D.C. from Wayne County. I'm running to ensure that Democratic women and all people who are often overlooked in politics have a strong voice at the table. We deserve a leader in Congress who's from our neighborhoods- cut from our cloth and who is not removed from the daily challenges of real life. Who are we? We are not mere statistics or random households. We are real American people with hopes and dreams. We work hard, every day, to build better lives for our families here in Wayne County. We may even work two jobs, just to make ends meet. We are not rich, and we don't have famous names. Our children attend public schools and play in community centers, not country clubs. We are strong and we are proud. Now, more than ever, it is time for our voices to be heard in the United States Congress.