Mary E. Flowers is a Democratic Illinois House of Representatives member and the longest-serving African-American legislator in Illinois history.
Born in Inverness, Mississippi, her family moved to Chicago when she was a child. She attended local schools in Chicago, Kennedy King Community College, and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Flowers was first elected to the 84th General Assembly as a Democrat from the 31st district in 1985. She is serving her 19th term as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives and as a House Deputy Majority Leader for the 102nd General Assembly.
In May 2023, Flowers was removed from her leadership position in the General Assembly by Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, allegedly for using a slur and saying that a House staffer resembled Adolf Hitler.
During her tenure in the Illinois House of Representatives, Flowers has served on several different committees covering various topics and issues in the House of Representatives.
N’DIGO: How did you get into politics?
Mary E. Flowers: I was a volunteer for Harold Washington when he was a State Representative, a State Senator, and a Congressman. And, of course, as Mayor. When he became Mayor, he asked me to run for office. I told him no because I hadn’t finished college.
I used to suggest things to him as he came home from Springfield of actions that he could take as a representative. He said it didn’t matter that you had not completed college because you would probably be the smartest one in Springfield. He insisted I run and said I better win. I was his candidate with full support. The day he died, I was going to City Hall to get his endorsement letter. I had not heard the news of his heart attack. I saw him on the elevator on the gurney. He had passed. I met with Harold Washington in 1983. I was elected in 1984.
You are the longest-sitting State Rep. What are the top three things that you are proudest of?
I was sworn in office in 1985; I am the longest-serving African American in the State of Illinois. I am proud of my Patient Bill of Rights. The bill ensures that the patient is not abused while in the hospital. People were being discriminated against by healthcare providers.
The second bill is the Maternal Health Bill. I have passed 15 bills that the governor has signed into law. I am proud of the Certificate of Innocence Bill. So many incarcerated people can get a certificate from the judge as opposed to waiting for the governor to provide a pardon.
I am proud of the Biomarker Bill. This is for people who are ill, using your genetics for diagnosis and treating medical conditions. Some doctors have misdiagnosed, for example, sickle cell. This is a bill to diagnose with exactness. The insurance has to be paid, and people with Medicaid are eligible for the diagnosis. These bills are life-saving. I also passed a bill with “Positive Action,” which requires the state to do something with AF to make sure people get a job.
You have passed legislation on Maternal Health for Black Women. Talk about the bill and why you felt it was necessary.
I created a task force on why so many Black women were dying from medical incidents. Many deaths in these hospitals are due to poor medical training. Dr. J. Marion Sims (1813 – 1884), the father of gynecology, believed that Black women could endure higher pain. The deaths of many Black women giving childbirth are preventable.
What is your brand of politics?
I don’t deal with titles. I advocate on behalf of people, as they can be lifted. That could be babies, senior citizens, education, etc.; I don’t like being tainted as a brand. I go where I am needed and support people on a need basis.
Have you had difficulty being a Black woman in the legislature?
Yes in the legislation as well as out. But that didn’t stop me. Black women are not always thought highly of. There is an existing paternal attitude, suggesting others know what is best for us. I let people know that I know my sisters better than most. Black women are a vulnerable population. Discrimination is a constant fight. That’s why I must be in Springfield. You can trace the fight to Ida B. Wells and Susan B. Anthony. We do not have equal pay for equal work. The fight continues.
As you know, politics is a changing force; what advice would you give a budding politician?
This is what I tell new members. You are part of an ongoing conversation. The conversation started before you got in the room. First, listen to what’s going on. Think about it. Address the issues after you have thought about it. Take your time to listen to be more successful.
People are voting less and less; why do you think this is so?
Life is not always better because you vote, and they don’t see your best interest. We need to make sure all people have access to quality education and proper health care. People want to be respected as people. People have paternal attitudes. Some want to pay people less but want people to work harder and longer. There should be a way for ALL mothers to stay home to care for their children with a good quality of life. We should spend more on education and less on crime.
What are your thoughts on banning books in schools?
That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. There are certain books you should read to learn about life. The conversation is too broad. We have a lot of social ills because of ignorance. We need a social plan that begins with early education.
What are your thoughts on an elected school board?
I am for an elected school board because the appointed school board is not working. But now we have reservations. We have not thought it out yet. Just because you have a lot of money to spend does not mean you have the right idea for a child.
What do you do in your leisure?
I exercise, I read, and enjoy my grandkids.
