Cori Bush

Cori Bush is a trailblazer who is difficult to ignore. She is an activist, a nurse, and now, a member of Congress. Bush made history in 2020 as the first Black woman from Missouri to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. Her path to the House was not without struggle, but she persisted and overcame several obstacles to achieve her dream.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Bush was a single mother who struggled to make ends meet. She worked various jobs to support herself and her children, including as a nurse, a pastor, and a community organizer. Her involvement in local activism began with the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, following the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown. Bush became a key figure in the protests, working to bring attention to the systemic racism in law enforcement and advocating for police reform.

Bush’s activism did not stop there. She went on to co-found the group, “Ferguson Protester Relief Fund,” which provided critical support to protesters who were injured or arrested during the demonstrations. She also served as a member of the “Don’t Shoot Coalition,” which aimed to address issues of police brutality and gun violence in the St. Louis region.

Bush’s tireless work as an activist eventually led her to pursue a career in politics. In 2018, she made her first run for office, challenging the incumbent Democratic Representative for Missouri’s 1st congressional district. Although she did not win, Bush continued to campaign and work for social justice causes, eventually announcing her candidacy for the House again in 2020.

This second campaign proved to be successful, and in December 2020, after a hard-fought election, Bush became the first Black woman to represent Missouri in the House of Representatives. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her supporters and spoke about the need to change the status quo in Washington. “We have the power to change things,” she declared. “We have the power to bring about a more just and equitable society for all.”

Bush has been a vocal proponent of progressive policies since taking office. She has co-sponsored legislation on criminal justice reform, social justice, and climate change. She has also taken a leadership role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for greater access to testing and treatments, as well as economic relief for struggling families and small businesses.

Bush’s ascent to Congress has not been without its challenges. In January 2021, just weeks after being sworn in, she was one of several lawmakers who were evacuated from the Capitol building during the insurrection led by supporters of former President Donald Trump. The traumatic experience left many members of Congress shaken, but Bush remained undeterred. “We’re going to keep going,” she later said. “We’re going to keep fighting.”

Throughout her career, Bush has been a powerful voice for social justice and equality. She has worked tirelessly to bring about change in a system that often marginalizes and discriminates against minority communities. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Cori Bush is a remarkable example of what can be accomplished when individuals are committed to social change. From her early days as an activist in Ferguson to her historic election to Congress, she has shown that it is possible to overcome obstacles and make a difference. As she continues to advocate for progressive policies in Washington, she remains a force to be reckoned with.