Article and Photos by Jovanna Reyes
“Aunt” Maxine Waters entered the Woman’s National Democratic Club to a standing ovation amongst her House of Representatives colleagues, members of the club and attendees who wanted to hear the powerhouse speak live.
The WNDC chose Congresswoman Waters, Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, the first African American and female to hold the position, to receive the Democratic Woman of the Year. One of the many comments by the speakers giving her their love and admiration is her commitment to women’s issues. She chaired the Congressional Black Caucus from 1997 to 1999.
Congressman John Lewis, Congresswoman Jamila Jayapal, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur praised Congresswoman Waters for her leadership and using her voice for those in need, especially the poor and youth. Representative John Lewis presented her with the award.
CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS
Several of her colleagues including Elizabeth Warren and Nancy Pelosi sent their love and admiration with letters read by local students to Congresswoman Waters.
CONGRESSWOMAN PRAMILA JAYAPAL
CONGRESSWOMAN MARCY KAPTUR
CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS 
Congresswoman Lucy McBath, pictured above, presented students from Parkland with the Trailblazer Award. The award recognized their actions after their high school shooting to end gun violence. They assisted in the passing of the first gun restrictions in Florida in thirty years and organized the largest youth march since the sixties, “March for Our Lives”. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee ended the gala with praise for the students bravery and move for action.
