Lacey, Washington – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced that her Hometown Hero virtual guest to President Biden’s first State of the Union address will be Makieda Hart, owner of SGT Hart’s BBQ in Lacey, Washington. Hart also serves as a military spouse and mother.
Hart is the founder of South Sound BIPOC, a free business and community directory for Black, Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC) which specializes in mentoring, providing resources, supplying workshops, producing seminars, and more.
The State of the Union will highlight the economic recovery from COVID-19 and articulate how Democrats will continue to create jobs and lower costs. While safety protocols mean this year’s in-person attendance is limited, Strickland said inviting Hart as her virtual guest is an important way to honor the people of Washington’s 10th Congressional District and uplift the experiences and contributions of women leaders.
“The South Sound has made tremendous strides this past year thanks to the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which continues to invest in our communities,” said Strickland. “For this year’s State of the Union, I wanted to highlight hard-working Americans whose perseverance fueled our nation’s historic recovery. People like Makieda are the true heroes behind America’s progress, and I am proud to have her as my virtual guest.”
“I am honored to be selected as Congresswoman Strickland’s virtual guest to this year’s State of the Union Address,” said Hart. “As a local business owner, community leader, mentor, and busy mom of four, I recognize that I represent many hometown heroes in the South Sound that have worked hard to provide for their families, keep their businesses up and running, and give back to their communities. I am deeply appreciative of the support Congresswoman Strickland has given us during these trying times and I look forward to a bright future for the South Sound.”
U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.
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