Sharon Booker uses her political platform to make democracy a reality in the lives of the underserved. Booker is concurrently serving a second term as a member of Sharon Hill Borough Council and the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee and she is in her a first term on the executive committee of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Party.
Booker is currently the Government Liaison for the Sharon Hill Art and Culture Commission, which she created during her sophomore year on council, and formerly for the Sharon Hill Library and Recreation Boards. She is a board member
Booker has been politically active with the Democratic Party for many years and is committed to financially supporting and campaigning for candidates, promoting voter registration and educating voters on the election process.
She is a performing artist and motivational speaker and lectures on her experiences with West African culture. She authored and self-published two books of poetry and has been featured in several anthologies, journals and an award-winning documentary film.
Booker was raised in Norristown, Pa., and is an alumna of Eckerd College and Temple University’s School of Journalism and Communications.
What is a defining moment in your career and life?
The first time I ran for public office (Sharon Hill Borough Council) was awe inspiring because I received the most votes cast. That victory gave me a clear and basic understanding of the power of the vote, the responsibility that I needed to assume to insure that I would do everything possible not to let down those who believed in me, and the realization that every experience in my life had somehow prepared me for the task at hand.
What challenges have you faced as a woman of color in your field and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges is being typecast, colored by assumptions and misconceptions that non-Africans have about who we are based on what has been portrayed in the media and television. I have more often than not witnessed surprised looks, raised eyebrows, and even hostility, as well as, being discounted.
The challenge is…the proving; to always be the exception to the rule, perform to the best of my ability, and not allow others to define my capabilities. As an elected women of color it is also important to realize anything you say or do can be dissected and scrutinized, you need to assume there are no private conversations and some will even perceive you as a spokesperson for your race because often you may be the only connection they have to a person of color and that is an enormous responsibility.
Consequently, I must always be cognizant of my speech, and careful of my response, taking into consideration the perception and sometimes consequences, (of speech and/or actions) all while being my authentic self, wife, mother and daughter.
What woman inspires you and why?
The first African Woman to be elected as head of state of an African nation, the former president of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, because of her work to promote the rights of African women to participate in peace building and economic development in Africa. Former first lady of the United States Michelle Obama, I would say she is the quintessential cognoscenti because of her grace, style, and intellect. No matter how she, her husband, or children are scrutinized, criticized, or portrayed, she always conducts herself in a way that is non-threatening and at the same time commands the utmost respect. Lawyer, Educator and Civil rights pioneer, Barbara Jordan, I consider her one of the greatest political minds of our time, eloquent speaker, and for the work she did on immigration reform.
What is your advice to the younger generation of women coming after you?
Be your authentic self, find your passion and infuse it into your life’s purpose and let that be the measure of success.
What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you?
It is a part of my DNA; that what defines my moral compass and the responsibility I have to uphold and perpetuate the values of our culture while honoring our ancestors.
