Press Releases
02/28/2023
Secretary Thomas Speaks at Emerge America's Virtual Leaders Matter Event: In Celebration of Black History Month
(Norwalk, CT) – Today, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas was a featured speaker at a virtual event that was the second installment of Emerge America’s #LeadersMatter series. The goal of the event was to highlight the importance of having Black women in leadership positions at all levels of government.
“In the time I was campaigning, and now as secretary of the state, I never expected to be so impactful,” said Thomas. “To see the look in young girls’ eyes that says this is a little different than the image of power usually presented. I do not know what these little girls will go on to do, but I do believe if you can see it, you can be it. And just by having this seat, I feel I am changing lives.”
The conversation included Emerge America President A’shanti Gholar, Virginia Delegate Briana Sewell (HD-51), and Kentucky State Rep. Colonel Pamela Stevenson (HD-43).
Secretary Thomas made history as the first Black person to be elected as Connecticut’s Secretary of the State and noted that full citizen engagement all year through will help bring a more representative government.
“I view civic participation as something that has to span 365 days a year. It cannot start and end with Election Day, said Thomas. “I encourage you to talk with your family and friends about civic participation. Until we truly believe ‘We Are The People,’ we will continue to see the lack of balance in representation.”
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