An Invitation

Abstract

This essay serves as the introduction to the special issue that focuses squarely on the political leadership of women of color in the United States. In recent years, it is becoming increasingly common for women of color to seek and attain elected office. As these actors become more prominent in politics, then it will become increasingly difficult for scholars of American politics to ignore them. We argue that if the discipline wants to remain relevant, and if it wants to produce the best work possible, then it is imperative that scholars of all backgrounds familiarize themselves with research that centers women of color. In the spirit of intersectionality research, we see our clarion call not as coercion, but as an invitation.