Higher Heights honors House Democratic Caucus Chair
Richmond – House Democratic Caucus Chair Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) has been recognized by Higher Heights as one of “50 Sisters to Watch.” The list, named in honor of the nation’s first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, celebrates elected Black women influencing politics in their communities and across the country.
Higher Heights for America is a non-profit that encourages and supports Black women in running for elected office. It is “the only national organization providing Black women with a political home exclusively dedicated to harnessing their power to elect Black women, influence elections and advance progressive policies.”
In its recognition of Delegate Herring, Higher Heights said, “The National Organization for Women called Charniele Herring ‘heroic’ for her work rallying fellow legislators to stand against limits on abortion access, & she’s passed legislation to restore homeless-services funding & support small businesses.”
“To be recognized by Higher Heights, especially in honor of Shirley Chisolm, means more than I can say,” said Delegate Herring. “Representation matters – it matters to communities affected by the policies that legislators create, and it matters to young girls of color who wonder what they can be when they grow up.”
Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, one of 15 House Democrats to flip Republican-held seats in 2017, said, “I am so proud of and excited for my friend and chair, Charniele Herring. Her leadership in our caucus, in the House of Delegates, and in her community continues to inspire me.”
This year, Virginians have increasingly turned to the leadership of Black women and the need for more representation. In a recent Richmond Times-Dispatch article, “After ‘masculine arrogance,’ could women of color rescue Virginia from scandal?” Delegate Herring said, ”We as a party have to have a demonstrated commitment to the diversity we always talk about, and be bold.”
Delegate Herring is the first woman to be elected chair of a caucus in the House of Delegates.
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