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Black Leaders in Government

The first inauguration of as the 44th president of the on , 2009.

In the United States, government leaders are people who work together to make laws, solve problems, and help people.

Government Leaders include roles like president, vice president, senators, and representatives.

Let’s take a look at some important Black leaders in U.S. government.

Vice President Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris is the United States' first female vice president, the highest- ranking female elected official in U.S. history. In addition, she is the first African American and first Asian American vice president.

Prior to becoming to vice president, Harris served as a U.S. senator from from 2017 to 2021.

Here is Kamala Harris being inaugurated as Vice President on January 20, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol.

2 Senator

Reverend Raphael Warnock is a pastor and politician in .

On January 20, 2021, he assumed office as the first Black senator to represent Georgia.

As senator of Georgia, he wants to make changes for people in his state and make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

3

Stacey Abrams is a voting rights advocate and served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007- 2017.

Although she is not currently a member of congress, she actively works to help her community.

She founded “Fair Fight”, an organization that promotes fair elections and encourages voter participation.

Her efforts helped boost voter turnout in Georgia in the 2020 presidential election.

4 Representative

Ilhan Omar is a U.S. Representative in Minnesota. Her election marks several historic electoral firsts:

• She is the first Somali-American elected to the U.S. Congress.

• She is the first naturalized citizen from Africa.

• She is the first non-white woman elected from Minnesota.

• She is one of the first two Muslim women (along with Rashida Tlaib of Michigan) to serve in Congress.

5 President Barack Obama

Barack Obama was the first Black President of the United States. He was first elected in 2008. He took office in 2009 and served two terms as president until 2017.

Prior to being President, Obama studied at Harvard University and became a lawyer. Then he worked in state government in Illinois and went on to serve as a US senator.

These are just a few important Black leaders in Government. Do you know of any government leaders in your community? Would you like to be a government leader?

6 REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Who is the first Vice President of the United States? a. Stacey Abrams b. Kamala Harris c. Ilhan Omar

2. Who is the first Black Senator from Georgia? a. Raphael Warnock b. Barack Obama c.

3. Who founded “Fair Fight” to encourage voted participation? a. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez b. Stacey Abrams c. Ilhan Omar

4. Who was the first Somali-American women elected to US Congress? a. Ihan Omar b. Kamala Harris c.

5. Who was the first Black President of the United States? a. George Bush b. c. Barack Obama

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REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Who is the first Black Women Vice President of the United States?

Kamala Harris Ilhan Omar

2. Who is the first Black Senator from Georgia?

Barack Obama Raphael Warnock

3. Who founded “Fair Fight” to encourage voted participation?

Stacey Abrams Kamala Harris

4. Who was the first Somali-American women elected to US Congress?

Ilhan Omar Raphael Warnock

5. Who was the first Black President of the United States?

Stacey Abrams Barack Obama

8 MATCHING Draw a line to match the Black Leaders’ name with their picture.

Stacey Abrams

Rev. Raphael Warnock

Ihan Omar

Kamala Harris

Barack Obama

9 MATCHING Draw a line to match the Black Leaders’ pictures.

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Word Bank: Abrams Obama California Omar Government Leaders President Harris Warnock

12 COLOR & CUT 1. Color the pictures of the United States. 2. Cut out and match the name with the corresponding picture.

California Georgia Minnesota United States

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TRACING PRACTICE

Harris Warnock Abrams Omar Obama

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TRACING PRACTICE

United States California Georgia Minnesota

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