According to a July 29 story by Reuters and the Center for American Women and Politics, there are 60 women running for Congress who are Black or multi-racial this election season, an increase of 74 from the 2012 election season.

With recent protests and confrontation of racial injustice in cities across the US, light has been shed on the disproportionately small representation of minorities in Congress. More women–Black women–running for Congress may address these disparities.

“I think it’s great that minorities in America are finally getting more representation in our government,” junior David Ronnel said. 

One of the 60 women is Joyce Elliott, running against incumbent French Hill for one of Arkansas’ two House seats.

 “She’s a great candidate who represents the community of the 2nd district very well,” Ronnel said.

More women who are Black or multiracial in Congress could create policies that address their perspectives. 

“With the responsibility of creating laws to benefit all people in America, Congress has to be able to think from the perspective of those they’re affecting,” junior Samia Smith said.

Smith believes the lack of diversity among Congressional representatives means that, “it can be undeniably difficult to connect with citizens differing from them.” 

Additionally, Smith said, “citizens who are greatly affected by Congressional decisions not only include racial and ethnic minorities, but those of lower socioeconomic status. It’s important to understand the intersectionality of the world when working in great areas of power like Congress,” Smith said. “And Central creates a foundation for that.”

Perspectives are broadened simply by exposure to different views.

“By combining students of varying identities, it forces me to spend time listening and educating myself about those who I learn with every day,” Smith said.