Black Women in Congress: Striking the Balance

The circumstances of black women who hold political office, particularly members of the US Congress, are examined in a discussion of how Eva Clayton, a black woman in NC, was elected to Congress in 1992. Two sets of circumstances facilitated Clayton's election: 1992 was dubbed "The Year of the Woman" by the UN & US media, & Clayton promoted women's issues; 1992 also saw many blacks running for office in NC, increasing black political participation in general. Support for Clayton by various liberal organizations is also noted. Clayton's example demonstrates that black women have succeeded in elections through taking care not to appear too aggressive & by actively courting a broad range of voters. Increases in the numbers of black female office holders are predicted. 4 Tables, 2 Figures, 27 References. D. Weibel