11 Women who Broke Barriers in the 2018 Midterm Elections

via GIPHY

As Queen Bey once said, “Who run the world? Girls."

And really, we run this motha’ because so many women broke barriers in the 2018 midterm elections. The female candidates running for Congress came from different backgrounds — from veterans to teachers. It was also a night of many firsts — from the first Native American women in Congress, to the first female governors in some states. According to the Washington Post, “Women have never held more than 84 of the 435 seats in the House.”

Before Election Night, USA Today had estimated that at least 118 women would be elected into Congress. Although results are not yet finalized, two things are certain — 1) women will be serving Congress in record numbers and 2) Democrats are regaining control of the House. To celebrate these successes, here’s a breakdown of some women who’ve broken barriers in the 2018 midterm elections.

11 Women who Broke Barriers in the 2018 Midterm Elections

1) Stacey Abrams (Dem)

With the support of President Obama and Oprah Winfrey, Stacey Abrams ran to become the first black female governor in Georgia and all of the US.

2) Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Dem)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the US Representative for New York’s 14th Congressional District. At 29-years-old, the Latina is the youngest woman ever elected into Congress.

3) Deb Haaland (Dem)

Former Chair of the Democratic Party in New Mexico, Deb Haaland, is one of the first Native American women elected into Congress.

4) Sharice Davids (Dem)

In addition to being one of the first Native American women elected into Congress, Sharice Davids is also Kansas’ first openly gay representative.

5) Rashida Tlaib (Dem)

Former member of the Michigan House of Representatives, Rashida Tlaib, is the first Muslim woman elected into Congress.

6) Marsha Blackburn (Rep)

Marsha Blackburn is the first female senator coming from Tennessee.

7) Chrissy Houlahan (Dem)

Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force Veteran, was elected as the US Representative for Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District.

8) Mikie Sherrill (Dem)

Mikie Sherrill, a former US Navy helicopter pilot and former federal prosecutor, was elected as the US Representative for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

9) Abigail Spanberger (Dem)

Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA operative, defeated Republican Dave Brat and was elected as the US Representative for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.

10) Laura Kelly (Dem)

Laura Kelly defeated Republican Kris Kobach in the race for Kansas’ governor.

11) Gretchen Whitmer (Dem)

Gretchen Whitmer, the newly elected Governor of Michigan, flipped the state’s party from Republican to Democrat.

via GIPHY

It’s safe to say that women dominated the 2018 midterm elections. Despite the record breaking numbers, women are still underrepresented in Congress. This is just the turning point and we still have a ways to go. We need to keep on pushing and empowering each other. After all, there is definitely strength in numbers.

59th Annual Grammy Awards: A Night in Review

If you weren't able to catch the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 12th, then I've got a short little highlight reel for you. Let me disclose that we here at OTE are a family with similar values and ideals, but my opinions on the night are strictly my own.

Let's get started!

While there were many moments throughout the evening that were beyond fantastic, these were the few that stuck out in my mind. For a full list of winners, performances, etc., feel free to visit the official Grammy website which will be linked at the bottom.

Adele

Talk about a grand opening! Everything about the opening musical number was flawless; her dress, her voice, and her all-around presence. Let's not forget her incredible rendition of George Michael's Fastlove for his tribute performance. She gained even more respect from me (and I'm sure countless others) when she stopped in the beginning of the song to do her version, and the late British singer justice. Adele is the epitome of class. Don't worry, girl. No one's knocking you for swearing. Or breaking your award for Album of the Year in half. But more on that later.

Chance the Rapper

I will be the first to tell you that I'm not a huge fan of rap music. As a musician, I hold an appreciation for every genre of music, and attempt to dip my toes in the water of each, but I've never really heard anything by Chance the Rapper. That all changed after his acceptance speeches and performance. So many rappers come off as vulgar and uneducated, but this man is an exception to the game. I respect anyone who uses their music to give glory to God, and recognizes where they come from. Curse that damn play-off music though. I understand that a timeline needs to be kept, but let's not be rude, Recording Academy (or whomever runs the show).

Beyonce'

If you're a fan of the public-proclaimed 'Queen B' then she was EVERYTHING. However, if you're like me, and don't really stand behind the hype, then the performance was at a level of understanding that went way over your head. I will give props where props are due. As a fellow expectant mother, I couldn't have done what she did. Performance wise or vocally. I have a hard enough time holding a conversation standing still let alone singing while sitting in a chair leaned backwards damn near parallel to the floor. I will not neglect to mention that she looked stunning. Bey wears pregnancy well. And her reaction to Adele literally splitting her award for Album of the Year? You can't tell me she's not a humble woman.

Collaborative Performances

I'm going to make this short and sweet because I could go on forever on why some of these performances made me want to throw something at the TV.

1. Kelsea Ballerini and Lukas Graham: It's a no from me. At least on the mash-up aspect of it.
2. Lady Gaga and Metallica: Gaga is my QUEEN. Once the technical issues were fixed, I rocked out.
3. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood: Love them as individual artists, and a collboration between the two sounded like a Godsend. Until I actually heard the song. What the hell happened to Country music?
4. Maren Morris and Alicia Keys: SO. MUCH. YES. A hometown sweetheart plus my vocal idol. Perfection.
5. Prince Tribute: Genius. Look it up. You won't be disappointed.
6. Bee Gee's Tribute: I mean, it wasn't bad. Wasn't the best. Legendary vocalists paying tribute to a legendary band.
7. Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes: One word; Magic. #Resist

James Corden

Quite possibly my favorite British person who wasn't at one time an official member of One Direction. I loved him hosting the Tony Awards last year. I thought his opening bit was genius, the bit with his parents was hilarious, and incorporating his trademark Carpool Karaoke was amazing. I say we give him honorary American citizenship, and let him and Jimmy Kimmel alternate on hosting everything for the rest of their existence. 

Recap

Adele was the definition of class and humility, Beyonce slayed, Chance the Rapper killed, and James Corden was remarkable. It was an incredibly entertaining night of music, and recognizing the past, present, and future pioneers of the music industry. Looking forward to next year.

For a full list of winners, highlights, and performances, visit the official Grammy website at www.grammy.com