In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black Democratic leaders who are making big waves in our nation’s politics and calling out the GOP’s harmful anti-Black agenda.

Welcome to the latest Black History Month edition of the DLCC's newsletter, February 18th, 2024   [In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black Democratic leaders who are making big waves in our nation’s politics and calling out the GOP’s harmful anti-Black agenda.]( 👉 Virginia: Del. Don Scott is the first Black speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates In Virginia, Del. Don Scott’s speakership marks a pivotal moment, bringing the new total of Black House Speakers up to seven for the first time in our nation’s history. Speaker Scott has been a strong voice for reproductive freedom, criminal justice reform, and uplifting working families. [His historic election as Speaker paves the way for more inclusive leadership in our statehouses →]( 👉 Pennsylvania: Joanna McClinton is the first woman elected as Speaker of the House In Pennsylvania, Joanna McClinton made history in 2022 when she became the first Black woman elected Speaker of the state House. She’s serving as a powerful example of progress and is breaking down historic barriers. Speaker McClinton has [big plans for 2024, focusing on education, creating jobs, raising the minimum wage, and more →]( 👉 Michigan: Joe Tate is the first Black leader elected as MI Speaker of the House In Michigan, Rep. Joe Tate was elected as Michigan’s first Black Speaker of the House. Since 2022, Tate has led efforts to secure record funding for K-12 education and even passed a bill to reopen the Lewis College of Business, Michigan’s only recognized HBCU. [As Speaker, Tate has continued fighting for public education, investing in infrastructure, and environmental protections →]( 👉 New York: DLCC Board Chair and NY Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is the first Black woman to lead a New York legislative chamber In New York, Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has overseen the passage of transformative legislation surrounding gun safety, reproductive rights, voting reforms, and LGBTQ+ rights. As Chair of the DLCC’s board, she serves a vital role in defending Democratic majorities across the country. Her leadership underscores the importance of diverse voices at the highest levels of state decision-making and sets a precedent for future generations. She advocates for contraceptive and abortion access, pay equity, [and most recently began working towards making housing more affordable for New York residents →]( ☑️ Read about GOP-Backed Black Voter Suppression: Extreme Republicans have started banning drop boxes and reducing the number of polling places in Black neighborhoods The introduction of these measures represents a significant threat to voting rights, particularly for communities and neighborhoods with Black voters. [Across the country, there is a continuous need for advocacy and legislative action to protect the fundamental right to vote →]( 👥 Read about Right-wing Gerrymandering: Republican-drawn maps use district lines to restrict the voting power and voices of Black voters The manipulation of district lines to divide and pack voters of color into districts to reduce their voting power is a stark reminder of the challenges Black voters continue to face in our democracy. [Fair redistricting practices are critical for true representation of the will of the people and uplifting Black voices →]( [Store code]( [DLCC Logo]( [DLCC Mission](     Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee 1225 Eye Street NW Suite 1250, Washington, DC 20005 Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions or gifts to the DLCC are not tax deductible. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and Grassroots Victory PAC are dedicated to winning and defending Democratic majorities in state legislatures across the country. This message was sent to {EMAIL} because you are a part of our grassroots network. Emails are a crucial way to stay in touch with our supporters. Please add us to your address book or safe senders list to ensure timely election updates. We're fighting to elect Democrats and advance a progressive vision in the states. Our success depends on grassroots donors like you. Ninety-eight percent of our donors give less than $200, and two-thirds give less than $20. To make a contribution, please [click here](. To unsubscribe and stop receiving emails about our efforts, please [click here.](  Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, please [click here](.