We need leaders who look like Americans of color

(OtherWords.org) – Senators shape the national policy decisions that affect us all. The Senate is also a frequent stepping stone for major party presidential candidates – including both Barack Obama and this year’s presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris.This reality reinforces the critical need for diversity within Senate staff, as these positions often serve as the breeding ground for future leaders who can make profound impacts on the national stage.I lead the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank. We recognize that Black voices matter – and that the lack of representation in key political staffing positions is a crucial aspect of our struggle for genuine democratic representation.Related Stories For years, the Joint Center has analyzed and advocated for equitable representation of people of color, particularly African Americans, in congressional staffing roles. Our newest report on Senate office diversity arrives shortly after Congress dissolved the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion.Our findings underscore the gravity of the issue: While people of color constitute 41.1% of the U.S. population, they account for only 22% of pathway staff in the Senate. “Pathway staff” are mid-level staffers who can earn the opportunity to move into more senior leadership positions.African Americans,...