Liz Miranda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Liz Miranda
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| Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Suffolk district |
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| Assumed office January 5, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Sonia Chang-Díaz |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 5th Suffolk district |
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| In office January 2, 2019 – January 4, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Evandro Carvalho |
| Succeeded by | Christopher Worrell |
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| Born | June 29, 1981 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | Cape Verdean, American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Wellesley College |
Elizabeth "Liz" Miranda (born June 29, 1981) is an American politician and community leader. She is a state senator for Massachusetts. She represents the 2nd Suffolk district. Before becoming a senator, she was a state representative for the 5th Suffolk district. This district includes parts of the Dorchester and Roxbury areas of Boston.
Liz Miranda is known for her work on important issues. She has helped pass laws to improve health for Black women. She also works to protect the environment and make sure everyone has a healthy place to live. In 2021, she helped create a big law about police reform. She was recognized as a top politician and a progressive leader for her efforts.
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About Liz Miranda's Life
Her Early Life and School
Liz Miranda was born on June 29, 1981, in Roxbury, Boston. Her mother was very young when Liz was born. This meant her mother had to leave school to work and support their family.
Liz went to the John D. O'Bryant High School of Math & Science in Roxbury. After high school, she attended Wellesley College from 1998 to 2002. She earned a degree in Africana studies and urban studies.
Liz started helping her community when she was a teenager. She worked with a group called Nubian Roots Youth Committee. They focused on issues like empty land and making sure the environment was fair for everyone.
Speaking at Wellesley College
On June 4, 2021, Liz Miranda returned to Wellesley College. She gave the main speech at the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021. She pointed out that she was one of only 16 Black women to give this speech in 143 years. She mentioned famous speakers like Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey.
Liz shared stories about growing up in Roxbury and Dorchester. She also spoke about her grandfather, Manuel Goncalves Miranda. He came to Boston in 1976 from Cabo Verde. He was looking for a better life in America.
Before the graduation, Liz supported students who wanted the college to recognize the Indigenous people. These were the first people who lived on the land where Wellesley College was built. Because of their efforts, the college agreed to do this for the first time.
How a Family Event Shaped Her Work
In August 2017, Liz Miranda's brother, Michael, passed away. This sad event deeply affected her. It inspired her to work on several important issues. She became a strong supporter of making gun laws safer. She also focused on improving the justice system and offering young people ways to avoid violence. She believes that firearm safety should be a national issue.
Liz Miranda's Political Journey
Becoming a State Representative
After the 2016 presidential election, Liz Miranda decided to run for office. She wanted to become the state representative for the 5th Suffolk district. The person who held the seat before her decided not to run again.
Liz faced several other candidates in the Democratic primary election. She won with a large number of votes. In the main election, she ran against a Republican candidate. Liz won by a lot, getting 88.7 percent of the votes. She officially became a State Representative on January 2, 2019.
Becoming a State Senator
On December 9, 2021, Liz Miranda announced she would run for State Senator. She aimed for the 2nd Suffolk District. This district was redrawn in 2021 and became an important area for Boston's Black community. She decided to run after the previous senator announced she would run for governor.
Liz won a tough Democratic primary election on September 6, 2022. She competed against four other candidates. She received 33% of the votes. She had strong support across the district. Many groups and leaders supported her, including the Elect Black Women PAC and the Boston Globe newspaper.
The new 2nd Suffolk District covers all of Roxbury. It also includes parts of Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, South End, and the Fenway. In the general election, Liz Miranda ran without any opponents. She was elected as the senator for the 2nd Suffolk District. She started her term on January 5, 2023.
See also
- 2019–2020 Massachusetts legislature
- 2021–2022 Massachusetts legislature
