By ABIGAIL KONIG
Staff Writer
As Black History Month is honored around America, it is important to acknowledge African American activists who helped shape the way for change. One of those activists is Andrea Jenkins. Jenkins is an American policy aide, politician, writer, performance artist, poet, and transgender activist. She is known for being the first African-American openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States, serving since January 2018 on the Minneapolis City Council. When asked by MPR News her vision for black Minnesotians, she said “The end of criminal injustice that is perpetrated on blacks in Minnesota. Increased homeownership, increased access to health care, increased access to safe and livable communities.” Strong individuals like her have created change in society and advocated for people of color and LQBTQ+ people to get equal opportunities. Although we still have a long way to go, Jenkins is one of many who should be honored for making a significant difference in our world.
