The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute hosted a talk with former US Senator Carol Moseley Braun about her career and new book.
Ann Marie Shepherd was first in line to welcome Carol Moseley Braun to the Varsity Theater on Wednesday. She was excited to hear about Moseley Braun's visit, "So I campaigned for her, voted for her all of the above, and when I heard that she was coming to come in there, I couldn't resist coming."
As a Black woman, Shepherd found inspiration in Moseley Braun's trailblazing career, "She was committed to the cause, you know, for humanity. And she just happened to be a Democrat, which I am. She's just a vivacious, dedicated Black woman, which I am. I'm just proud of her."
John Shaw is the Director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. He says the Institute hosts events like this to give southern Illinois residents the chance to meet people who will leave their mark on history.
Shaw had his own chance to see Moseley Braun's impact while he was a reporter in Washington DC, "I remember her, you know, in what fanfare and excitement she brought. And then as one is going on to have a great career as an AA diplomat, small business woman ran for president. You know ambassador? So she's really had a remarkable career."
Moseley Braun's book is titled Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics. She says her success comes from a lesson her mother taught her growing up, "I did the best I could with what I did, what I had, and so you know, I worked hard for the people of Illinois. And I hope they see it."
During the presentation, Moseley Braun talked about growing up during the civil rights movement and sneaking out to march with Martin Luther King Junior when he marched in Chicago. She points to these moments as giving her the courage to be a trailblazer becoming the first black woman elected to the US Senate.
"You know I've. Been blessed to have been born at a time where there's lots of changes going on in the world, the change in the status of women change, the status of black people. I mean, I, I I lived through those things. It was all. Kinds of of. Of changes that that that I was able to participate in directly. And so I'm very grateful for that," according to Moseley Braun.
Moseley Braun finished off her appearance answering questions from the audience - showcasing a courage in doing what she felt was the right thing in her own fight for civil rights.
