It has been more than 50 years since Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, more than 47 years since Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to serve in the U.S. House, and more than 20 years since Carol Moseley Braun was elected to the Senate.

In that time, only 35 African American women have served in Congress, including 34 Democrats. Today, black women make up only 4 percent of the House, and 35 states have never elected a black woman to Congress.

At WomenCount we are celebrating Black History Month by highlighting women who have achieved notable “firsts” as African Americans.

Check out our African American Trailblazers slate and support women candidates who have broken barriers.

Among them are three women in tough elections who need your support! If elected, Kamala Harris (California) and Donna Edwards (Maryland) would become the first black women to serve in the Senate since 1999. And Val Demings is fighting to unseat a vulnerable House Republican in Florida’s 10th District.

Donate to the African American Trailblazers slate now.

We need the voices and perspectives of women of color in Congress. You can play a role!

Together, we can continue to make history.

– The WomenCount Team