By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
If courage had a name, it just might be Carol Moseley Braun.
The former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador has had a career full of powerful moments, bold firsts and beautiful breakthroughs. Now, in her new book Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics, she tells the world exactly how she did it—with humor, hope and heart.
And she’s not done yet.
The First But Not the Last
In 1988, Carol Moseley Braun became the first Black person elected to an executive office in Cook County, Illinois. Then in 1992, she made history becoming the first Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate, and the first woman to represent Illinois. But she didn’t walk alone, 1992 was called “The Year of the Woman” because four other women were elected to the Senate at the same time (Patty Murray, Barbara Mikulski, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer). Together, they helped bring new voices and new ideas to Washington.
“We were part of a wave,” she said. “People were ready for something different.”
A Journey That Started with Justice
Moseley Braun’s career began in Chicago, where she earned a law degree and became an assistant U.S. attorney. But even before that, her passion for justice showed up early.
As a teen, she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago.
“His example showed me that peaceful protest could lead to real change,” she said. “It taught me to stand strong for what I believe.”
That same spirit followed her into every role she took on, from public service to diplomacy.
The Day Destiny Called in Jackson Park
She never planned on becoming a politician. In fact, her first steps into politics happened by accident at a bird protest in her neighborhood.
“There were people protesting the removal of bobolink birds from Jackson Park,” she shared. “I joined in—and a few neighbors said, ‘You should run for state rep.’”
At first, she said no. But when a local pundit said she couldn’t win because she was “a Black woman and not part of the political machine,” she changed her mind.
“That did it,” she said. “I decided I had to run—and I won.
The Day She Changed the Senate
When she joined the U.S. Senate, Moseley Braun brought more than just a fresh perspective, she brought positivity, professionalism and a deep love for the people she served.
“I worked hard,” she said. “And I tried to stay true to who I was the whole time.”
One of her proudest moments came in 1993, when she stood up to stop the renewal of a government patent for a symbol tied to the Confederacy. She gave a passionate speech about slavery, racism and the power of symbols. At first, the Senate voted against her.
“Symbols matter,” she said at the time. “They speak volumes.”
And then, something amazing happened.
As she spoke, senators began to understand. They listened. One by one, they changed their minds. A second vote was taken, and this time, Moseley Braun won.
In just a few hours, one voice changed the course of Senate history.
Fellow senators praised her leadership that day. Senator Barbara Boxer said, “If ever there was proof of the value of diversity, we saw it today.”
A Global View
In 1999, President Bill Clinton appointed her U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa—and she made the most of every moment.
“The country was breathtaking, and the people were so kind,” she said. “I was even adopted as honorary Māori by the Te Āti Awa tribe.”
She didn’t just represent America, she connected with people on a personal level. She calls her time there one of the most enriching experiences of her life.
Laughing Through the Journey
Carol Moseley Braun is a woman of many firsts. But she’s not bragging about it. She’s still surprised her life became this historic. In fact, she says the whole reason she wrote her life story was because of one tiny but mighty person: her grandson.
“He was six at the time,” she told me. “He said, ‘Grandma Carol, are you famous?’” She laughed. “I tried to explain it to him, but I realized it was time to write everything down.”
Her memoir Trailblazer, written with award-winning journalist Donna M. Owens is full of inspiring moments, but it also has plenty of laughs.
Like the time she attended the dedication of a school named after her in Chicago. Two boys saw her walking down the hall.
“One said, ‘There goes Carol Moseley Braun!’ And the other said, ‘She’s not dead yet?!’”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I guess he thought you had to be dead to get a school named after you!”
Still Leading Today
Even now, Moseley Braun is blazing new trails. In 2023, President Biden appointed her Chair of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), which supports small businesses across Africa. She’s focused on health, housing, and innovation—and helping people build strong futures.
“We’re funding real change,” she said. “That’s legacy work.”
What Trailblazing Really Means
I asked her what the word trailblazer means to her. She paused thoughtfully, then answered with the grace that defines her.
“It means moving forward, even when times are changing,” she said. “It’s about having the spirit and belief that you’re doing the right thing. If you hold onto that, you’ll be blessed in your work.”
As we wrapped up, I asked what she hopes people will remember, not just about her career, but about her as a woman and a leader.
“That I stood for something,” she said. “That I was real. That I tried to live up to the ideals I believe in. No gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just the truth.”
A Book and a Message for the Next Generation
Her memoir, Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics, is more than just a history book. It’s a love letter to those who dare to do things differently.
It’s for the dreamers, the doers, and the people who know that being first might be hard—but being authentic is what truly matters.
So what does she want young girls, especially young Black girls, to know?
“Don’t let the noise distract you,” she said. “Keep your eyes on your purpose. If you stay true to that, you’ll be just fine.”
Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics is available now wherever books are sold. Order on Amazon