Hyacinth Miller is a PhD candidate in the Global Urban Studies Joint PhD Program in Urban Systems at Rutgers–Newark. Miller’s research centers on Black women’s political leadership, Caribbean people in the Diaspora, and Black immigrant political incorporation. Her dissertation, The Garden State’s Black Politics, examines the political engagement of Black women in elected office in New Jersey, focusing on campaign emergence and campaign strategy. This scholarship will add to a broader research agenda that critically explores the intersections of civic engagement, political representation, and policy responses to underrepresented communities. Prior to joining the program, Miller built a career in public policy and advocacy through work in government affairs, immigration, criminal justice reform, nonprofit leadership, and institutional development.

The Garden State's Black Politics: Black Women in New Jersey's Elected Offices

The Garden State’s Black Politics: Black Women in New Jersey’s Elected Offices project seeks to answer the question of what Black women elected officials believe is the pathway to elected office in New Jersey and will survey Black women elected officials across the State to document their diverse experiences. The project aligns with RDL’s Democratic Engagement research by exploring how civic participation inspires citizen involvement. Gender scholars find that women are more likely to run for office when they see other women serving. Understanding how Black women navigate New Jersey’s political landscape offers valuable insight that may inspire others to become future candidates.