Black women have always been the backbone of the civil rights movement. Throughout history we have seen prominent leaders such as Angela Davis to Shirley Chisolm and in more recent times Barbara Lee to Maxine Waters become voices of leadership in the political realm, paving the way for the next generation of those looking to follow in their footsteps. This weekend was a microcosm on the local levels the examples of black women who are creating change by servicing their communities.

On Friday evening the PW Perspective hosted its first all-women forum, entitled “Black Women Lead,” and it featured four prominent leaders who continue to make history in their districts:

Tinesha Allen, Supervisor of Griffi-Widewater District in Stafford

Margaret Franklin, Woodbridge District Supervisor, Board of County Supervisors

Monae Nickerson, Vice Mayor of Dumfries

Loree Williams, Vice Chairwoman of Prince William County School Board, Woodbridge District

During the forum they discussed the importance of their roles as elected officials and issues that need to be addressed, both locally and federally, to see true progress so that the next young black woman who aspires to be in government can look to them as the foundation.

It continued yesterday at the Black Women Empowerment Rally in Lorton. Several leaders, including Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, who herself is preparing to make history, came out to represent. Throughout the rally were a multitude of black women, both young and old, who spoke on the struggles that they have experienced, as well breaking down the stigmas put upon them by society.

We met with Leslie Houston, of the speakers, after the rally, and she provided insight into telling her own story of growing up in Louisiana, and how she overcame it. “I’ve never shared my story on this type of platform. It has taken me a while to be able to share all of that. I am honored to speak here to empower black women.”

The 15 year journalist and special education teacher continued. “I don’t ever want a young girl to go through any of the things I went through in Louisiana. High school was difficult, what saved me was the fact I was an athlete, and I had a black teacher that looked out for me. Everyone doesn’t have that.”

“My role in education, I ensure that I advocate and teach parents to advocate for their children. I want for other people’s kids what I wanted for my children. I want them to be successful. I am so proud of these young people to organize something like this and to stand up and say they’re not taking this anymore. I’m not my ancestors, I stand on their shoulders and I’m going to fight like they fought. That is amazing, I am beyond being proud today.”

Indeed, their ancestors would be proud of what young black women are doing both for today and tomorrow.