Let's make this birthday one to remember.

77 years old (Born on August 16, 1947)

Happy Birthday, Senator Carol Moseley Braun! You've always been a trailblazer—first African American woman in the U.S. Senate, first Democratic African American senator ever elected, and Illinois' very own history-maker who showed incumbents everywhere that no seat is safe when you're on the ballot!

Your groundbreaking victories continue to inspire generations of women leaders nationwide. Today we celebrate not just your impressive list of "firsts," but also your timeless ability to make politics look good while doing it all with grace and humor. Here's wishing you another year filled with laughter—and perhaps fewer debates (unless they're about cake)!