Rashida Tlaib's thobe and Ilhan Omar's hijab are making congressional history
Rashida Tlaib’s thobe and Ilhan Omar’s hijab are making congressional history
Thursday is a historic day for the federal government: As Democrats take over the House of Representatives amid a shutdown with no end in sight, the first two Native American women and the first two Muslim women will be sworn into a Congress with more women overall serving than ever before.
To mark the occasion, some first-term Congress members are standing out in more ways than one: During the swearing-in ceremony, instead of the typical congressional suit in a muted tone, Rashida Tlaib will wear a traditional Palestinian thobe. It’s a long tunic, often made of cotton and decorated with heavy embroidery, and worn for various occasions all over the Middle East. Tlaib’s is a deep burgundy with red embroidery.
Tlaib is the first Palestinian American woman to be elected to Congress, representing Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, which includes parts of Detroit and its surrounding suburbs. She’s a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and she’s championed progressive policies like a $15 minimum wage, debt-free college, and Medicare-for-all, as well as the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the impeachment of President Trump.
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Meanwhile, Deb Haaland of New Mexico, one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress, wore a traditional Pueblo dress and turquoise jewelry to the swearing-in ceremony. On Thursday morning, she tweeted, “New Mexicans are in the house, the US House that is.”
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The first-term female Congress members elected in November’s midterms have single-handedly helped create a more diverse Congress — and they’ve done so while wearing their identity proudly rather than assimilate to the old-fashioned uniform of dark suits for the House and Senate.
Their platforms and policies are more important in the grand scheme of things than what they wear, of course. But the embrace of their heritage and identity is already changing the rules in Congress. Ilhan Omar, who is one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress (Tlaib is the other), will be the first person to wear a hijab in Congress. Though she’s worn a hijab throughout her campaign, hats and head coverings have been banned in the House since 1837, a rule Omar pushed to change even before she was sworn in. The 181-year-old rule will be overturned as of January 3, formally allowing religious garments like hijabs and yarmulkes, as well as head coverings for illness and hair loss.
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https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/1/3/18166768/rashida-tlaib-ilhan-omar-congress-thobe-hijab
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It's not just in dusty old books.
That 181 year old rule was in the way.
I would just like to add Rep Lucy McBath to your thread.. speaking of stunning historical developments!
Link to tweet
been some exorcism involved.
I didn't know what a thobe is either.. So much to still learn! Cool that your mom did intricate embroidery.. It's admirable to be able to create like that.
an Instagram pic and they're impossible to c/p unless one has an account with them, I would imagine.
It sure is beautiful.. all that intricate stitching of vibrant colors.
What a creative woman your Mom was.
is!
I feel better than I have since November 2016!
two looooonnnngggg arduous years.. but here we are. So fortunate to have such dedicated Democratic Leaders Fighting for us!
Thank Goodness! 
I cannot stop smiling. 
Doesn't matter - I has a PRIDE in our newest bunch!
