Black women make local history
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter Monda Williams, candidate for city council on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015
Traci McDonald-Kemp
Washington County has largely been represented by men in elected positions, despite a population composed of 51 percent women.
Two political newcomers, Traci McDonald-Kemp and Monda Williams, are redefining the trend.
McDonald-Kemp, 44, Washington County deputy district attorney, clinched the contested Cecil-area district judge seat for both the Republican and Democratic ballots in the primary election, making her the first black woman to secure such a position in Washington County.
With her successful bid for one of two open seats, Democrat Williams, 43, will be the first black woman to serve on Washington City Council.
As women in male-dominated fields, McDonald-Kemp and Williams join the rank of longtime Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan, who just won her sixth term.
“I hope that people elected me because of who I am and what I’ve done and what my qualifications are. I don’t think that it had anything to do with the color of my skin whatsoever,” McDonald-Kemp said.
“The nice thing is we were able to make history, but that’s just a bonus. That’s not why we do it.”
McDonald-Kemp was a county assistant district attorney for 14 years and is now the deputy district attorney in charge of the special victims unit. She said seeing minorities in leadership roles benefits younger generations.
“It opens the eyes of young people to know they can do anything and those avenues are open to them,” she said.
“We choose our paths and goals … based on what we see. If we don’t see people who look like us in those roles, we subconsciously think (our goals) are unattainable. We’re setting an example that says you can do and be anything.”
A U.S. Army veteran with a master’s degree, Williams is an Allegheny County employee who also works as a life coach. In an email, Williams said she plans to reach out to all Washington residents, regardless of race or gender, while being mindful of underserved populations.
“I believe that minorities, including women, have been not necessarily been ignored by city officials, but under-represented,” she said. “This … isn’t only an issue in the city of Washington. There is a known lack of diversity in politics across the board, meaning that it’s generally tougher for women and minorities.”
Williams said that being elected is a humbling experience.
“I feel like I am making history. My great-aunt, who was very encouraging throughout this election, recently passed away; she was 103 years old,” she said. “I only wish that, as a woman who lived through the civil rights movement and women being granted the right to vote, (she) could’ve lived to see this day.”