In today’s America, land of the free and opportunity, Black women are severely underrepresented in government positions. They make up the most dynamic segment of the Rising American Electorate and In the past two presidential elections, Black women have had a higher turnout than any other demographic- clearly exemplifying their eagerness to be involved in the process. Although they are increasingly participating in the political process, they only hold 3% of state legislative seats and less than 3% of the U.S congressional. Recently Kamala Harris became only the second Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate
Current House Minority Leader of Georgia’s State House and Democrat, Stacey Abrams, is looking to change that. Ultimately, Abrams is striving to break that highest glass ceiling that so many others have tried to do before. If she wins, she would replace term-limited Governor Nathan Deal (R).
However, this is no small task. Putting aside many barriers that many women of color face when running for office, no Democrat in Georgia has won a statewide office since 2006. Abrams and Democrats alike understand that if they are to beat the Republicans, they have to bring new energy and increase voter turnout. To aid in these efforts, Abrams is the founder of the organization, New Georgia Project, that has already registered 200,000 new voters. These new voters and Georgians presumably want someone in office who looks like them
“Democrats in the South have to reject the notion that our geography requires that politicians soften our commitment to equality and opportunity and that you have to look a certain way,” Abrams said
Abrams on the issues
Abrams decided to run for Governor because “every Georgian deserves the freedom and the opportunity to thrive, and too many of us are being left behind and left out.” Moreover, desires to see Georgia as a place where everyone can succeed not just survive.
Abrams believes that children are the future of our nation and that it’s our responsibility to ensure that they have the opportunity to have a quality education which includes both universal Pre-K and Higher education.
“As Governor, she will continue to fight to expand Pre-K’s reach to every 3 and 4 year old, improve struggling schools through increased funding and accountability, and ensure post-high school training and funding from apprenticeships and technical college to college and beyond.”
Abrams promises to ensure that the Georgia state government serves everyone. This includes a broad set of principles ranging from protecting taxpayers investment to defending civil rights.
“As Governor, she will continue to fight to expand Pre-K’s reach to every 3 and 4 year old, improve struggling schools through increased funding and accountability, and ensure post-high school training and funding from apprenticeships and technical college to college and beyond.”
Lastly, Abrams hopes to create an economy in Georgia that works for both the worker and the business owner. Additionally, Abrams refuses to be satisfied with the poverty that exists within the state of Georgia.
“We will produce a diverse economy that improves the lives of Georgia’s families by helping build small businesses, being the best state for entrepreneurs of every industry, protecting working families and investing in a robust infrastructure for the 22nd century Georgia.”
What does a Win for Abrams mean for WOC?
A win for Abrams means that we have finally broken that glass ceiling- but that there is still some shattering left to do. Electing a Black female Governor means that having a Black female President isn’t impossible and could quite seriously be in the near future. Having a woman of Color in charge in the deep south means for so many little girls that they truly can aspire to be anything. Stacey Abrams as Governor affirms what so many of us already knew- Black women have been leaders in this country since they were brought over on shackles yet have received little to no recognition for it and it is time for that to change.
