WASHINGTON (AP/The Guardian) — After nearly three decades of service, Rep. Barbara Lee of California, known for her trailblazing efforts and unwavering convictions, concludes her historic tenure in Congress. Lee, a 78-year-old Democrat, has consistently stood apart as a bold leader, famously casting the lone vote against the authorization for military force following the September 11 attacks in 2001. This decision showcased her courage amidst overwhelming opposition, earning her both support and significant backlash.

Reflecting on her journey, Lee remarked, “If you really believe that this is the right thing for the country, for your district, for the world, then you have to do it, and be damned everything else.” Over the years, she has garnered applause for the originality of her positions, particularly those supported less by her peers. Upon her irreplaceable departure, she left an indelible legacy as a touchstone for a new generation of lawmakers.

Lee’s experience in Congress was not without its challenges. Having lost a Senate primary this past March to Adam Schiff, her journey underscores the difficulties faced by Black women in the realms of electoral politics, especially in the context of a political landscape that continues to evolve. “There are few congressional leaders, public servants, that have served with the kind of courage and tenacity as Congresswoman Lee,” expressed outgoing Senator Laphonza Butler.

In her final days, Lee collaborated with Butler to pass significant legislation, which awarded the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to her mentor, Shirley Chisholm, the pioneering congresswoman who paved the way for women of color in politics. This legislation, commemorating Chisholm’s centennial, was unanimously supported in both the House and Senate and signed into law by President Biden in December.

Lee's path to Congress began from a position of activism and community involvement, having once worked with the Black Panther Party before entering politics. She took over her congressional seat after the retirement of long-serving Congressman Ron Dellums. Notably, Lee is the 20th Black woman to be elected to the House of Representatives, a point she emphasizes as a call for greater diversity and representation within government.

Throughout her career, Lee faced the isolation of being one of the few Black women in legislative discussions. She was integral to devising initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and was an early critic of the Hyde Amendment, advocating against policies she viewed as discriminatory towards low-income women. “I’ve been at tables all these years by myself,” Lee shared. “...which meant I had to form allies and alliances to be effective.”

The events of January 6, 2021, were also pivotal for Lee, who recalled her foresight amid warnings of far-right groups converging on Washington. Her instincts as a leader kicked in that day as she prepared to evacuate the Capitol: “Those [sneakers] came in handy when the mob stormed the Capitol,” she recalled regarding the chaotic moments surrounding the insurrection.

Despite the progress made in the representation of African American women in Congress, with several dozen currently serving, Lee continues to voice that there is still much work to be done. As she embarks on her next chapter, she emphasizes the importance of fostering the leadership of aspiring women of color. “I got to make sure other Black women don’t have to go through what I’ve been through,” she stated.

Lee's next steps remain uncertain, but her legacy is firmly established within the halls of government, having changed the landscape for future generations. “My mother told me that ‘can’t’ is not in the dictionary,” she quoted, reflecting on the words of Shirley Chisholm, who inspired her to challenge the status quo.

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