SPRINGFIELD, Ill – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, will continue advocating for meaningful change locally and nationally as the 1st Vice President of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative (NOBEL) Women.  

“Nobody understands the horrors this country has the potential to bring more than Black women,” Harper said. “They are the most underprivileged group and their shared experiences put them in a position to fight for issues that not only uplift their communities but all communities.” 

NOBEL Women is an organization that has been leading the way of bringing together Black women legislators and appointed officials to spearhead impactful legislation that puts people in a better position to thrive since 1985. 

Harper was given the nod because of her proven track record as an ethical leader for over 20 years and various legislative wins, including being the first Black woman in the United States to chair a state House Agriculture committee and leading the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus as Joint Caucus Chair to secure $2.5 billion for Black communities and implementing their historic statewide agenda to attack systemic racism. 

“It would be an understatement to say that I am honored to be re-elected as 1st Vice President to help lead this courageous group of over 400 women nationwide,” Harper said. “We will continue to put in the work to ensure that Black women have seats in rooms where the future of their communities are being discussed and that NOBEL Women gives them the tools and support they need to succeed in their various states.”