History Conversations REWIND | The Contributions of Elected Women of Color in Montgomery County

with Selena Singleton |

The story of elected women of color in Montgomery County, Maryland is characterized by a glacial transformation over time. In the 250 years since the founding of the county in 1776, it was not until 1982 that the first woman of color, a Black woman, Odessa Shannon, was elected to a policy-making position – as a member of the Montgomery County School Board. In scope and concept, this presentation chiefly will focus on historic firsts achieved by women of color in the legislative branches who serve Montgomery County (in the U.S. Congress, the Maryland General Assembly, the Montgomery County Council, and local city and town councils); briefly discuss other notable advancements realized by women of color (Montgomery County Board of Education, Democratic and Republican Committees); and mention historic firsts accomplished by women of color in the executive and judicial branches who represent Montgomery County. Originally presented at the 2025 Montgomery County History Conference.