WASHINGTON, DC – New York Magazine’s The Cut released an interview with “Sister Senators” Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), marking the first time in the Senate’s 236-year history that two Black women are serving simultaneously. The conversation centered on how they intend to work together to deliver for Marylanders and Delawareans.
Below are some highlights from each senator. Read the full story here:
- Alsobrooks: And now that we’re here, the way that we will be effective is by virtue of our relationships. The Senate is a place that operates by consent. I’m looking forward to attending some of the prayer-breakfast meetings here, the Bible study on Thursday, going to the gym. I had a week off after the election and learned to play pickleball, so I’m going to be the newest member of whatever pickleball happens here.
- Alsobrooks: I remember when we first met for lunch, we went directly to our kids and families. It is good to know you are talking to a person who can understand your experience. There was so much that didn’t have to be said. We didn’t have to say, “How does it feel to be a woman in this space?” We all know! “So, girl, tell me about your children. What is it that we are going to fight for?”
- Blunt Rochester: You’re only a leader if people are following you. Otherwise, you’re just out for a walk. It circles back to why I felt this heaviness: In the time that we’re entrusted with this power, what do you do with it? My power also comes from God. I could not get out of bed in the morning if I did not stop and say, “Please, give me what I need to do what I need to do.” There are days when I feel like I need to know all the answers and that I can’t make a mistake, especially as a Black woman. But when I get out of my head and I’m connected to the source …
- Alsobrooks: It is never lost on me that my power doesn’t come from how inherently great I am. Some people get that confused. They think the power is about them, but when you leave the seat, another person will take it. You have to remember, every day, who sent you and why.