Over the past few years, there has been significant growth in US politics of women candidates (especially women of color) and for many this being their first run for office. On this show, Jessica Aldridge talks with Aura Vasquez, Environmental and Social Justice organizer and Candidate for Los Angeles City Council District 10, on how we change the “old boys club” and what this could mean for bringing social equity to the table.
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Women in Politics: Breaking Up the Old Boys Club
Over the past few years, there has been significant growth in US politics of women candidates (especially women of color) and for many this being their first run for office. As of today, there exists a record number of women in congress and more young women and women of color than ever in US History.
We are currently living in a time when the constitutional rights of women are being questioned and legislated by our local and federal politicians. As of June 4, it has been 100 years since Congress pass the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote (ratified and becoming law August 18, 1920). However women (and members of our diverse community) still suffer from inequality and misrepresentation throughout the political system that tends to lend itself to a cisgender, white male dominated culture. Their opinions and leadership still suffer from the ills of dismissiveness.
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How do we go about changing the “old boys club” and what does this mean for bringing social equity to the table? Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to be elected to US Congress, once famously said that “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Maybe some of our listeners have been considering getting involved at the political level in their neighborhood or city. To you, I say do it! And to everyone, keep listening you are in for a great show.
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Bio
Aura Vasquez is an Afro-Latina immigrant, community leader, fearless advocate for environmental and racial justice issues and running to be the first woman elected to represent Los Angeles Council District 10. As the first immigrant and the youngest to be appointed a Commissioner for the L.A. Department of Water and Power, Aura supported millions in investments in sustainable energy and incentives to lower power bills for all residents. In 2018, she coached Democratic candidates across the U.S. and helped flip the U.S. Congress to a Democratic majority. Her commitment is to give a voice to people who have been, historically unheard, and help them build a prosperous future for themselves and their families.
Follow her on Social Media:
Instagram: @Auravasquezofficial
Facebook: @Auravasquezofficial
Twitter: @Auramvasquez
Interview by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste.
Engineer: Blake Lampkin
Executive Producer: Jack Eidt
Show Created by Mark and JP Morris
Music: Javier Kadry
Episode 32
Photo Credit: Christina House / Los Angeles Times
Updated 13 February 2023
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