8 Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles

Susan Rice may have lost her bid for secretary of state, but she’s well on her way to the top.

The Washington Post reports that the current United Nations ambassador is set to replace Tom Donilon as President Obama’s national security adviser.

During the announcement, Obama called Rice “a fierce champion for justice and human dignity.”

“But she’s also mindful that we have to exercise our power wisely and deliberately,” he said.

Her hopes of serving as secretary of state came to an end last December after opponents accused her of providing misleading information about the Benghazi terrorist attacks on September 11, 2012.

Looks like the naysayers can’t hold her down!

Click through the slides to find 8 other African-American women making big moves in the world of politics today.

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A1b0D_Ama8%5D

1. Erika Harold

Former Miss America winner Erika Harold is running for Congress. She became the sixth African-American woman to win the title in 2003. Now, she’s turing her sights to the Republican party and a Illinois’ 13th District seat.

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB8Xcd0BO5g%5D

2. Michelle Obama

We can’t have a conversation about Black women in politics without mentioning our dear First Lady. Along with being our Commander-in-Chic, she’s worked to decrease childhood obesity and end gun violence.

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJDX5q6f3D4%5D

3. Valerie Jarrett

Valerie Jarrett serves as President Obama’s senior advisor and assistant for intergovernmental affairs and public engagement. She’s has been loyal to the Obama administration from day one. Before her current title, she worked as co-chair of the Obama-Biden presidential transition team, and senior advisor to his presidential campaign.

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxtBot0RXbE%5D

4. Maxine Waters

California congresswoman Maxine Waters is known as the firebrand of the Democratic Party. She is currently the most senior of the 12 Black women in Congress.

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn_RfNLc7lk%5D

5. Barbara Lee

California congresswoman Barbara Lee has been an advocate for women’s rights, economic justice and international peace since the beginning of her political career.

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g6PpIW3hPg%5D

6. Condolezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice is best known for her work under the Bush administration. She was the first African-American woman to serve as secretary of state.

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEd0XnPyWww%5D

7. Sheila Jackson Lee

Sheila Jackson Lee has been serving in the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 18th congressional district since 1995.

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

8 Other Black Women Flexing Their Political Muscles  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com