Underwood Makes History As Youngest Black Woman In Congress

WASHINGTON D.C. --- The third of January held a special significance for both Lauren Underwood and Sean Casten and not just because they took the oath of office to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. The day held historical significance for Underwood (D-IL, 14), who became the youngest black woman sworn into Congress at age 32. Casten (D-IL, 6) was sworn in at 47, the same age African-American George Collins ---the last Democrat to represent the Illinois 6th District--- was when he died in a plane crash.

Underwood, a former nurse from Naperville, posted a "throwback Thursday" photo on Facebook to her time working in Congress as an intern for President Barack Obama. She wrote, "A lot can change in 12 years; today, I'm back to be sworn into the U.S. House for #IL14. In a previous post, she told constituents, "You fought your hearts out for this—now I'm ready to fight for you."

In a press release, Casten expressed what it felt like to be one of the man Democrats taking seats in the House of Representatives after the November elections. He said, "Standing on the House Floor with my daughters by my side, I was struck by the magnitude of the midterm elections. The power Americans possess to change their own government was evident in the faces all around me. It was an awesome feeling of history and hope and duty."

Image credit: Lisa Farver/Patch