NORTH BRENTWOOD, Md.- Five local mayors, including four whose towns are only minutes apart in Prince George's County, have been named on Essence Magazine's 2018 ' Woke 100 Women' list.
For the second year in a row, Essence is honoring African-American women who are trailblazers and 'proven change-agents' in their communities, the nation and beyond.
This year, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made the magazine's 'Woke 100 Women' list'. The new mother of an adopted newborn told the magazine how she defines success.
"Women are frequently judged more quickly, more harshly and more wrongly," Mayor Bowser told Essence. " And for those of us who have won elections, I want each and every one of us to be successful, not just for our own political careers but for the millions of people we represent.”
Mayor Bowser is not the only black female mayor on the list, four from Prince George's County, MD made it among others.
Mayor Petrella Robinson of North Brentwood, Mayor Takiesha James of Bladensburg, Mayor Sadara Borrow of Colmar Manor and Mayor Tracy Gant of Edmonston were all named on the list. Their towns are all located off or near Route 1.
Mayor Robinson has been in her position for 11 years. She grew up in North Brentwood and held many positions in politics there. She is big on unity and culture and hopes that her spot on the list will be an inspiration to others.
"I think it sends a message that women can do anything," she said.
Mayor James made history when she was elected. She is Bladensburg's first black female mayor.
"As women, you feel like you have to choose, you can't have it all. However, society tells men they can, " said Mayor James, when asked about the obstacles on her journey.
She said thinking about the impact she could have on her community and her daughter made her rise to the challenge.
" I just felt it was incumbent of me to lead by example," she said.
Sadara Barrow agrees with leading by example and inspiring others to do what they dream of.
"Four years ago, I had a fourth-grader ask me if only men can be president, " Mayor Barrow said. "This year, a girl asked me if only women can be mayors."
"That hit me seriously because that's what they see," she said.
Tracy Gant is mayor of Edmonston. She was the first black council member in her town.
"Our children need to see us, those who look like us, other minorities," said Mayor Gant, who too hopes other minority women are inspired by their achievements.
"They need to see women, they need to see black women. "
