Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, who represents Ohio’s 13th district in the U.S. Congress, recently used her social media platform to highlight issues of equality, history, and legacy. Sykes posted a series of messages between March 8 and March 10, 2026, addressing International Women’s Day, Black History Month, and the memory of Harriet Tubman.
On March 8, Sykes marked International Women’s Day with a message about ongoing efforts for women’s rights: “Happy International Women’s Day! Today we persist in the ongoing fight for equality and justice for women around the world.”
The following day, she emphasized the importance of Black history within American history by referencing student activism at her alma mater: “Black history is American history, and leaving any part out makes our story incomplete. Students at Kent State University understood this. Their advocacy is the reason we celebrate a whole month of Black History Month.” Sykes graduated from Kent State University with a BA before earning her JD from the University of Florida.
On March 10, Sykes honored Harriet Tubman’s contributions: “Harriet Tubman didn’t just dream of freedom, she selflessly led others towards it. More than one hundred years after her passing, we honor her legacy and tell the story of her unmatched bravery.”
Sykes has served in Congress since 2023 after replacing Tim Ryan. She previously represented Akron in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022 and continues to reside in Akron. Born in Akron in 1986, Sykes is now 37 years old.
