In the shadows of one the original stops on the Underground Railroad, State Senator Lea Webb is making her own history.

On January 1, Webb became the first Black woman to represent the 52nd State Senate district, a region that covers Cortland, Ithaca and Binghamton.

Her Binghamton office sits on the same grounds of where fugitive slaves were once aided at what was then A.M.E Zion and A.M.E Bethel Church.

"For me, as someone who, you know, is a proud product of this community, I carry it in a way that it's a twofold thing. It's an honor, and it's also a call to action for all of us," Webb said.

Webb didn’t always envision politics in her future, but it all started at the local level.

She was once the first Black person to represent Binghamton’s city council. 

Now representing Binghamton at the state level, she stressed the importance of representation, both on the political level and beyond.

"It is important that we're not the last that we have to be intentional in creating inclusive communities, because the contributions and the strength that comes in diversity benefits everyone," said Webb.

Black trailblazers and Black history line the walls of Webb’s Binghamton office. She said she often looks to them as inspiration, as becoming the first anything doesn’t come without its challenges.

"It is not easy. You deal with a lot of, again, societal challenges that get reinforced due to, I call it, cultural blind spots that are influenced, as I said, by issues around racism, bigotry,” said Webb.

Webb is hoping her story will encourage more people of color to consider a role in public service.

"I understand the power of seeing folks that look like you, whether it's in media, government, education, because it creates it makes things more tangible, more real," said Webb.

Webb defeated former Binghamton Mayor Rich David to represent a seat formerly held by current Sheriff Fred Akshar.