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Assemblywoman Shirley Weber Encourages Women Of Color To Run For Office

Shirley Weber speaks at the Westin Hotel in downtown San Diego, June 7, 2016.
Milan Kovacevic
Shirley Weber speaks at the Westin Hotel in downtown San Diego, June 7, 2016.
Assemblywoman Shirley Weber Encourages Women Of Color To Run For Office
Shirley Weber Encourages Women Of Color To Run For Office GUEST: Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, D-San Diego

Political experts say it was African-American women voters in Alabama and Virginia who turned the tide in upset victories for Democrats last year. And women of color have turned out in large numbers for the Women's Marches across the country.

As Black History month begins, an event in San Diego will highlight the emerging political power of those women and celebrate African-American female political pioneers. The Women of Color Roar Breakfast on Saturday will honor San Diego Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, the first African-American south of Los Angeles elected to the statehouse, San Diego City Council President Myrtle Cole, the first African-American woman on the council, and Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez, the first African-American mayor in the county.

The aim of the breakfast is to push women of color to run for office. Weber joins KPBS Midday Edition on Thursday with advice for would-be candidates.