Jefferson Reporter

Rep. Terri A. Sewell, a U.S. Congress member representing Alabama's 7th district since 2011, has shared a series of tweets celebrating influential figures and institutions during Black History Month and highlighting veteran care initiatives.

On February 19, 2025, Sewell recognized Ashley M. Jones as Alabama's first Black Poet Laureate and the Founding Director of the Magic City Poetry Festival. She noted Jones' national recognition for her poetry that explores the impact of the Deep South on Black men and women. "Today we celebrate Alabama's first Black Poet Laureate and the Founding Director of the Magic City Poetry Festival, Ashley M. Jones! She was won national recognition for her poetry exploring the impact of the Deep South on Black men and women."

The following day, February 20, 2025, Sewell honored Maya Angelou during Black History Month as a legendary memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist known as the ‘Black woman’s poet laureate.’ Angelou received numerous awards including more than 50 honorary degrees and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to literature. "This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor the legendary memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou. Known as the ‘Black woman’s poet laureate,’ she received dozens of awards, more than 50 honorary degrees, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her writings."

Later on February 20, Rep. Sewell toured the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center to observe its efforts in supporting veterans. She emphasized that veterans deserve top-notch care and advocated against any cuts to Veterans Affairs services."I just finished touring the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center to see the great work being done to support our veterans! The brave men and women who served our nation deserve top-notch care. We should be working to strengthen the VA—not cut it!"