Nikema Williams: “I often say that I am operating in an institution and system that was not designed by or for people who look like me.…”

“I often say that I am operating in an institution and system that was not designed by or for people who look like me. Today, however, I celebrate a pioneer who wanted to change the system so that it would work for all the people-- Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. I stand proudly on the shoulders of the first Black woman in Congress. She entered Congress ``unbossed and unbought'' and brought this energy to each of her seven terms. She paved the way for me to be here as the first Black woman to represent the people of Georgia's Fifth District in Congress. We are the next generation of Black excellence because of Shirley Chisholm. As we face trying times, we must remember that we stand on the brink of progress. The courage of Shirley Chisholm paved the way for Black women in Congress to fight for a future that our children can believe in: Voting rights regardless of our ZIP code. Lasting investments in our HBCUs. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus to end the Black maternal mortality crisis. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to end police brutality. My Abolition Amendment legislation that will close a loophole in the Thirteenth Amendment and truly end slavery in America. As we reflect on how far we have come this Black History Month, I am looking forward to the future we are building together because of the path set by Congresswoman Chisholm. However, we have a long way to go.…”