Friday Feminist Fuck Yeah: Young Dems elect black president, female leadership

For the first time in its 81-year history, the Young Democrats of America has elected a black president and female-led leadership. In a press release, the Young Dems wrote:

Atima Omara (VA), a former organization Vice President, was elected President; Erin Carlstrom, the Vice Mayor of Santa Rosa and former California National Committeewoman, was elected Executive Vice President.“While I fought a hard campaign with Erin to win today, we know that we stand on the shoulders of our foremothers that fought to ensure women had a voice and place at the table,” said Omara. “Erin is a great example that young woman can run and win elected office. During our term, we plan to make YDA a place that empowers young people to seek and win elected office.”

…Beyond the leadership of Omara and Carlstrom, it is important to note that both Omara and Carlstrom have been long-time advocates for women’s rights. Omara is not only a volunteer at a domestic violence shelter in her community but is a board member for two reproductive justice organizations. Last year, Carlstrom went through the Emily’s List POP training for her City Council race and then ran for YDA Executive Vice President campaign during her first pregnancy. “As an organization that stands up for the reproductive and healthcare rights of woman, I hope to set a good example that this issue is about options,” said Carlstom. “I will make that argument has I begin my two-year term as Executive Vice President and life-long commitment as someone’s mom.”

Atima Omara

I’ll admit that I had a bit of a “really? it took until 2013?” reaction… until I remembered we’ve never had a female U.S. president or vice president, and just elected a black man for the first time five years ago. Right, that. So.

You can learn more about Ms. Omara’s feminist thinking through her blogging at Fem2pt0 and tweeting.