The new year has welcomed the loud murmurs of change in the USA, the 116th Congress is a lot more representative of the US population, there are a record 102 women from Muslim, Latino, Native American and African American backgrounds. Amongst the women are two Muslim women, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.

A new era in Congress: women. pic.twitter.com/7ewRCmpSql

— Nanette D. Barragán (@RepBarragan) January 5, 2019

Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib took their oath on a 1734 English translated Qur’an that belonged to the former president Thomas Jefferson. The Quran was amongst the 6,487 books in Thomas Jefferson’s private library.

While Tlaib is the first Palestinian-American in the National legislature, Omar also comes in with a first as a Somali-American elected into Congress. Both women also chose to represent their cultures by the fabric and dress choices they made.

With my amazing sisters @RashidaTlaib and @AyannaPressley. I can't wait to see the things we will accomplish together.#116thCongress pic.twitter.com/0KsCzwbaca

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 4, 2019

Tlaib wore a traditional Thobe known for its unique patterns and regional styles which date back to 1200 BC whilst Omar wore a hijab that was representative of Somali culture, Alindi fabric is a traditional cotton cloth from Somalia which is brightly coloured. Omar’s hijab was the first to grace the house floor, there had been a 181-year ban, since 1837, on headwear of any type in the chamber, and today was the first day this was lifted.

Thank you for inspiring *several* generations @RashidaTlaib. #TweetYourThobe #مبروك pic.twitter.com/RL2FanChqg

— Noura Erakat (@4noura) January 3, 2019

Sworn in and ready to throwdown for the people ✊🏽#peopleshouse pic.twitter.com/cq7Bby1H2e

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 3, 2019

Wow, #ImpeachTheMF is trending, and a Muslim congresswoman from Detroit did that.

…I love 2019 already!! pic.twitter.com/ZZzrL7w7rj

— Lauren Cooper (@_lcoops) January 5, 2019

From my family to yours, thank you, thank you, thank you!#116thCongress pic.twitter.com/OfyTOiMMff

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 4, 2019

Congresswoman @RashidaTlaib swears in today – along with Ilhan Omar – as the first Muslim-American women elected to U.S. Congress. Rashida is swearing in with the historic Quran that belonged to Thomas Jefferson. She will also be the first-ever Palestinian woman in Congress. pic.twitter.com/eZHADzDPsM

— Tarek El-Messidi (@Elmessidi) January 3, 2019

Ilhan Omar will be first Muslim woman to wear hijab in Congress https://t.co/5pVLsRwRh9 pic.twitter.com/udiOhGo3GT

— The Independent (@Independent) January 3, 2019