2022 Chisholm List

Higher Heights for America is proud to present our Shirley Chisholm 2022 Sisters to Watch List, to celebrate and recognize the over 65 Black women who took hold of the reigns when it comes to politics and were rightfully referred to as the architects of democracy in 2022. These over 65 women not only have inspired Black women’s future politicians, but they also serve as the embodiment of decades of work that is now coming to fruition – they are truly blazing the trails.

They have boldly stepped off the sidelines and they are walking in the leadership legacy of Shirley Chisholm, a true maverick who 54 years ago was sworn in, becoming the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress.

Chisholm also entered office at a moment when our country was challenged by divisive ideologies and policies, but she refused to let these divisions detour her work to enact progressive policies that ensure civil and human rights and opportunities for all Americans. So, in honor of Chisholm’s legacy, Higher Heights is proud to present this roundup highlighting Black women whose elected leadership will help shape and advance America’s political agenda. Here’s why they are sisters to watch.

Chisholm 2022 – Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States Profile Picture

In 2020, we saw history being made when Kamala Harris became the first woman, the first Black person, and the first South Asian person on a major-party general election presidential ballot, as well as the first woman, the first Black person, and the first South Asian person to win the vice presidency. 

2. Chisholm 2022 – Ketanji Brown Jackson Profile Picture

On February 25, 2022, President Biden announced he was nominating Ketanji Brown Jackson to fill the Supreme Court seat left open by the retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer. The U.S. Senate voted to confirm her on April 7, 2022. Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, the first federal public defender to sit on the court and the first justice since Thurgood Marshall to represent criminal defendants.

3.  Chisholm 2022 – Marcia Fudge, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Profile Picture

Secretary Marcia L. Fudge is the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Throughout her career, Secretary Fudge has worked to help low-income families, seniors, and communities across the country. Secretary Fudge served as U.S. Representative for the 11th Congressional District of Ohio from 2008 to 2021. She was a member of several Congressional Caucuses and past Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

4. Chisholm 2022 – Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Profile Picture

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield was nominated by President Biden to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations as well as the Representative of the United States of America in the Security Council of the United Nations. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield is a career diplomat and returned to public service after retiring from a 35-year career with the U.S. Foreign Service in 2017.

Chisholm 2022 – Susan Rice, White House Domestic Policy Council Profile Picture

Ambassador Susan E. Rice is the Domestic Policy Advisor in the Biden Administration. As Director of the Domestic Policy Council, she drives the formulation and implementation of President Biden’s domestic policy agenda, from economic mobility and racial equity to health care and immigration. She previously served as President Obama’s U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and National Security Advisor from 2009-2017.

6. Chisholm 2022 – Cecilia Rouse, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers Profile Picture

Cecilia Elena Rouse is the 30th Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, making her the first Black leader of C.E.A. in its 75-year history. In this role, she serves as President Biden’s Chief Economist and a Member of the Cabinet. She is the Katzman-Ernst Professor in the Economics of Education and Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University.

2022 #BlackWomenLead Reading List

In time for summer reading, Higher Heights is proud to present our #BlackWomenLead Summer Reading list.

This year’s list is filled with a variety of subjects from a group of talented Black women authors. Whether your tastes are fiction, politics, or memoirs, this year’s list is sure to provide you with a plethora of options. 

The authors on this list come from all walks of life and have perfectly infused their experiences into books that have already appeared on several bestseller lists. 

As you sit back and enjoy your summer, make sure you find time to relax with a good book from our list.

VIEW OUR FULL LIST BELOW