During an interview on journalist Tashara Parker’s podcast, U.S. Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter shared a heartfelt and empowering message about the significance of her role as one of the few Black women in Congress.
Carter, who represents the voice of many marginalized communities, highlighted the importance of inclusion, representation, and creating spaces for future generations of Black leaders.
For Carter, being a Black woman in Congress is about much more than holding a seat. It’s about showing young people—especially Black children—that they belong in spaces of power.
“It means to me that people see that they’re a part of it, that they’re included,” she said. “Coming from the historical background of our ancestors, who were enslaved, we were often on the outside of many fields and spaces. But the more we are in Congress or other places like the C-suite, it’s not just a seat at the table—it’s ours.”
Carter’s words reflect her deep understanding of the need for representation in spaces of power.
“I always want every Black girl and Black boy to think America is yours. When I go to schools, which is one of my favorite things, I tell them, ‘This is your country,'” she added.
Carter’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders is clear, and she wants to ensure that young Black children grow up knowing that they are not only welcome at the table but that they have every right to lead it.
Carter’s message is not only one of empowerment but also a call to action for future generations.
The more that Black women—and people of color in general—occupy powerful positions in Congress and other industries, the more they pave the way for a future where leadership reflects the diversity of the country.
Her presence in Congress is a shining example for young people across the nation, showing them that they too can reach these heights.
“The more we are in these spaces, the more it shows that it’s not just a seat at the table—it’s ours,” she told Tashara Parker.
This is a sentiment that transcends politics—it’s a call for inclusion, for justice, and for a future where everyone has a place at the table.
