By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.-14) and Shontel Brown (D-Ohio-11) stand out as dynamic leaders dedicated to advocacy, policy and the pursuit of equity for their constituents. As Black women in Congress, they are shaping legislative priorities while championing issues critical to public health, economic stability and social justice.
Rep. Lauren Underwood made history in 2018 when she became the youngest Black woman ever elected to Congress. Representing Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, Underwood brought a wealth of expertise as a registered nurse and former Obama administration official specializing in public health policy. Her background informs her leadership on healthcare issues, particularly in maternal health and expanding access to affordable care.
Underwood told the AFRO that she ran for office in 2017 after then-Congressman Randall Mark Hultgren failed to deliver on his promise of protecting people with preexisting conditions.
“I launched my campaign in 2017 after watching my congressman break his word about protecting health care coverage for people like me with preexisting conditions,” said Underwood. “After he broke his word…I and became the youngest black woman ever elected.”
“I am still very motivated around the idea that every American should have healthcare— period. People should not be dying preventable deaths because of severity, lack of access, racism within our healthcare system, etc.,” she added.
Underwood co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus and introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a sweeping legislative package aimed at addressing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Recognizing that Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their White counterparts, Underwood has tirelessly worked to pass bipartisan measures that address systemic inequalities in healthcare.
Underwood told the AFRO she has introduced this legislation because “Black women are three or four times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications from their White counterparts.”
“The disparities are getting worse after COVID…80 percent of the deaths that we see are preventable,” she added. “So, my bill is to address every clinical and nonclinical factor.”
Beyond maternal health, Underwood has advocated for lowering prescription drug costs, expanding mental health services, and ensuring protections for people with preexisting conditions. Her pragmatic approach to policy and bipartisan efforts have made her a rising star within the Democratic Party and a respected voice on public health matters.
Rep. Shontel Brown, who represents Ohio’s 11th Congressional District, first won her seat in a 2021 special election following the departure of Marcia Fudge to become Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to Congress, Brown served as a Cuyahoga County Council member and chair of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to progressive governance and community advocacy.
Brown told the AFRO that her run for Congress came at the right time.
“Biden and Harris had the infinite wisdom to appoint my predecessor to become a member of the cabinet as secretary of HUD. It was perfect timing. The opportunity presented itself, and I felt very much prepared to step up and attempt to fill those big shoes of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge,” said Brown.
Since arriving in Washington, Brown has prioritized policies that promote economic development, job creation, and investment in underserved communities. As a member of the House Agriculture and Oversight Committees, she has worked on policies addressing food insecurity, environmental justice, and infrastructure improvements, particularly in communities of color.
Brown told the AFRO that her constituents are the reason she wakes up everyday.
“When I campaigned, I committed to fighting to deliver results for them, and that was the reputation I had when they elected me and one that I continue to try to maintain,” said Brown.
The congresswoman plans to reintroduce the U-FIGHT Act to promote early detection, treatment and research on uterine fibroids.
“This is a key piece of legislation, I think a big one in the women’s health space,” said the Democratic lawmaker. “This issue impacts 60 percent of women and 80 percent of black women, and it is the leading cause of hysterectomy in women.”
Brown has also been a strong advocate for voting rights and social justice, pushing for federal protections against voter suppression and supporting the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Her leadership reflects a commitment to ensuring that all Americans, particularly marginalized communities, have a voice in democracy.
Underwood and Brown exemplify the next generation of Black women leaders in Congress—leaders who are policy-driven, community-focused and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Their work spans crucial issues, from healthcare and economic justice to civil rights and education, reflecting their commitment to creating tangible change for their constituents and beyond.
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