Senate achieves small victory in diversity

On Nov. 8th, many people went to the polls and voted for the next president, however they also voted for those making decisions in Congress.  History was made this year, with three women of color voted into office. This is a big step for minorities because as the years progress, equality increases. Equality for all is being established and should be looked upon as a positive thing rather than a negative thing. Currently 80% of the people who make up senate are males and 93% are white… talk about America the so called “melting pot.” In America’s population only 44% is considered to be a minority. If close to half of United States citizens are considered minorities, then they shouldn’t be represented by only 12% of the senate. The election of Tammy Duckworth, Kamala Harris, and Catherine Cortez Masto will work to combat that disparity.

Tammy Duckworth is an Asian-American representing Illinois. In 2013, she was the first disabled woman to be elected into the House of Representatives. Before becoming a politician, Duckworth worked in the Department of Veteran Affairs and was in the armed forces. While in the armed forces, she fought in the 2003 Iraq war; this experience has cost her, her two legs and injured her right arm. Duckworth displays female empowerment by having served in the army and government.

Kamala Harris is the second African American woman to be elected into the Senate. Racial equality? Not exactly… Before elected, Harris was a lawyer and an Attorney General. She is a member of the democratic party and stands in the Black Lives Matter Movement. She also fought for marriage equality in 2011. Now Harris is a senator representing California, her home state. Many believe that she may be the first woman president, a spot Hillary Clinton was trying to earn this year.

Catherine Cortez Masto is the first Latina to be elected into Senate. She represents Nevada and was an Attorney General for eight years. She went to college in Nevada and earned a Juris Doctor at Gonzaga University. Cortez has worked with women, children, and seniors. She is a member of the Democratic Party and was also the first woman to represent Nevada in congress.

Three women were elected into the Senate representing California, Illinois, and Nevada. Currently there is only one woman of color serving in the Senate named Mazie Hirono from Hawaii. These three will join them in January. Since 1964, more than 50 women of color have been in congress. However, there have been only two African-American senators (male and female) and only 18 Hispanic or Latino senators. These three senators are inspirations for women and minorities all over the country. They have made history and will continue to fight for the rights of every American.