In honor and support of Women’s History Month, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, the first woman speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, will address a town hall in organized by NAACP Bucks County.
“Women Who Lead: Power, Representation & The Future of Justice in Pennsylvania” will be held on March 16 from 6 to 8 p.m at Bucks County Community College Newtown Campus.
“We’re raising issues that have gone overlooked for generations,” McClinton said.
The event is open to the public and registration is required.
“There is an intense interest in how women leaders perform, how we’ll adapt to the position, what we’ll do differently, and how we’ll manage the challenges. All eyes are on you,” McClinton said. “Being the first woman Speaker of the Pennsylvania House means that there aren’t any former Speakers who I can call on for their experience in this role who know what it is like to be a woman leader or ‘the first.’”
In addition to making Pennsylvania history as the first woman to lead the state’s Chamber, she is only the second Pennsylvanian of color to hold the position.
“While I may be the first woman Speaker, many women in our legislature are history makers, and I am fortunate to have a strong network of colleagues who support me,” McClinton said.
McClinton is the second Black person to lead the state House of Representatives, with K. Leroy Irvis being the first in 1977. Irvis died before McClinton was elected to the state House, and McClinton counts his widow, Cathryn Irvis, “as a trusted mentor.”
“Women are more than half of the population, and our government ought to reflect the people it serves. The women in Pennsylvania’s legislature are lawyers, health care professionals, teachers, military officers, small business owners, journalists, caregivers, mothers, sisters, daughters and aunts – we’ve done it all, and we’re natural problem solvers,” McClinton said.
NAACP Bucks County President Adrienne King said during moments of challenge and change, women leaders – and their leadership – becomes even more essential.
“Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, recognize the work still ahead and celebrate the impact women continue to make,” King said. “Women often lead with a deep understanding of community needs, collaboration, perseverance and lived experience.”
She also emphasized the impact Speaker McClinton and her leadership has on youth.
“When young people see leaders like Joanna McClinton making history and shaping policy, it expands their sense of what is possible and inspires them to imagine their own role in building a more just and inclusive future,” she said.
If you go:
What: Women Who Lead: Power, Representation & The Future of Justice in Pennsylvania, a town hall style event.
Who: Pennsylvania Speaker of the House of Representatives Joanna McClinton hosted by NAACP Bucks County Chapter
When: Monday, March 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Gallegher Room inside Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown.
How to register: The public is encouraged to attend and may register via NAACP Bucks County here. For additional information call 215-364-1057.
