The Event Also Featured A Panel of Black Women Campaign Operatives from the 2020 Democratic Primary Cycle

This week, DNC Senior Advisor to the Chair Waikinya Clanton kicked off the Seat at the Table Black Women in Politics Speaker Series with Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) where they discussed her historic career in progressive politics, her commitment to improving the lives of Black women through her work in Congress, and why it is critical to defeat Donald Trump and elect Vice President Joe Biden this November. The Conversation with Rep. Lee was followed by a panel of Black women campaign operatives who discussed life on and after the campaign trail and what they’re doing now to ensure victory for Democrats up and down the ballot in November.

Created in 2018, Seat at the Table is a joint initiative of the DNC Black Caucus and Women’s Caucus designed to meaningfully engage and organize with Black women across the country. Originally designed to get to the heart of issues that mattered most to Black women, the tour now has expanded to include issue-based forums, training opportunities and a grant program to provide financial support to Black women organizers across the country.

Panelists included Carissa Smith, Biden for President; D’Shawna Bernard, Warren for President; Aisha McClendon, Beto for President and Bloomberg for President; Nina Smith, Pete for President; Alencia Johnson, Warren for President; and Lucinda Ware, Amy for President.

Quote from Rep. Barbara Lee: “Black women lead. Sometimes it’s really hard, but we have to put together these coalitions and work in an intersectional manner. This is a marathon, we’re in it for the long haul, and we have to be persistent. Black women never give up so we will continue to fight like who we are to achieve the type of equity we need for Black women and our Black brothers.”

Quote from Waikinya Clanton: “Black women have long been the strength of our party and even during this time of uncertainty we cannot allow that energy to go to waste. I couldn’t be prouder of the growth of the Seat at the Table initiative and the work we’ve done to engage and inspire the backbone of our party. I look forward to continuing this work with my sisters to elect Joe Biden and help Democrats win up and down the ballot.”