U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler Delivers Inspiring 2024 Senator Wynona Lipman Chair Lecture at CAWP

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, had the honor of hosting U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler of California for the 2024 Senator Wynona Lipman Chair in Women’s Political Leadership Lecture.

Senator Butler spent the day on the Douglass Campus of Rutgers University, touring the Eagleton Institute of Politics, and visiting with students for a candid Q&A session on her career and her service in the U.S. Senate. 

In her public lecture, Senator Butler talked about Black women’s leadership and how that intersects with different forms of power in American politics. In an acknowledgment of CAWP’s work, she spoke about the power of data: “The data actually tells a story. And I want to appreciate your work, not just for the charts and the data, but for the space to tell a story. The unique space for Black women in politics in this country to tell their story.”

Senator Butler also spoke about forms of power specific to Black women, contrasting the work of officeholders with the leadership Black women have always undertaken in their communities: “One of the most honored titles that I will ever have is United States Senator from the state of California…and it can be interpreted as one of the emptiest titles. And I think that, what we should understand in the context of Senator Lipman specifically, and black women generally, is that leadership is more than a title…Senator Lipman was a leader before anybody ever called her senator.”

Finally, Senator Butler reminded the audience that Black women’s political power cannot be achieved at the ballot box alone and talked about the importance of uplifting Black women throughout the political space. “When you consider your candidate contributions, are you giving more or the same or less to the Black women who are running?...When we are building our coalitions, are we giving space to organizations who are led by Black women more, less, or the same?...When we are in spaces of influence, are we working to intentionally make sure that the voices of Black women are present and heard?...When we are building our campaigns, are we interviewing a Black woman for every position?”

The event was a testament to the enduring legacy of Senator Wynona Lipman, the first Black woman to serve in the New Jersey State Senate. Known affectionately as the “Steel Magnolia,” Senator Lipman's 27-year tenure was marked by unwavering advocacy for women's rights, education, and civil rights in the Garden State. The Lipman Chair is made possible by the support of the New Jersey Legislature.

For those unable to attend, view full video of the event on CAWP’s YouTube page.