If You Want To Observe The Brilliance Of Black Women, Look To Stacey Abrams
There are pillars in the community that say they want to make a difference and then there are those that simply let their actions do all of the talking. When I think of Stacey Abrams, her actions overshadow any speech she’s ever spoken. There’s something special about a person that’s willing to do the groundwork, put in the time, invest, and keep going despite setbacks. But as a Black woman in the South, I am prone to hearing no towards opportunities outside of my community. Abrams, however, turned no into yes, right now.
I can remember the first time I became privy to Abrams in 2018 via social media. She felt like a breath of fresh air, someone like me: a Black educated woman, running for Democratic governor in Georgia – a notable red state allied to the Republican party and still proud of its racist Confederate history. Even after an unsuccessful outcome, she still won in the eyes of many Black women in the South. In her, we recognized a tenacity that was familiar ground. Instead of disappearing from the political stage, Abrams went on to found the Fair Fight Initiative as a means to ensure that everyone’s voting voice is heard. It’s one organization of many she has launched related to the disenfranchisement of voters, particularly among Black communities.
As a dark-skinned, plus-size Black woman with naturally coiled hair, Abrams persevered through attacks – both on her character and her appearance. Even Abrams’ transparency about her financial status and $200,000 personal debt became fuel for attacks from her opponents. But she didn’t waver from her goal. In the face of adversity, you either stand in your truth or fold. And clearly, Abrams knows exactly who she is. Her resilience made all Black women in the South, east, north, and west proud as we saw her fight for what was rightfully hers: equality.
As Black women in the South, we are often reminded of our lineage, especially now as the spotlight is turned upon racial policing and senseless killing of Black people. Though slavery was abolished 156 years ago, we are still burdened.
Whips on our backs have turned into bullets.
Tenacity is all we have as Black women and it’s all our ancestors had as well. I’ve seen it time and time again within my own family. I was raised by independent single mothers that made away when there was no way. Abrams is a representation of so many Black women that continuously fight for who and what they believe in. We are raised to make things happen and go after things we’re passionate about. The fight for success is embedded in us at birth, it can’t be taught. Abrams is reminiscent of a modern-day Harriet Tubman. Have you ever wondered why she kept coming back to free slaves, even the ones that were too terrified to leave? Once you figure that out, you’ll understand why Abrams is so adamant about opening the door for every American’s vote to effectively count.
A beacon of hope has been bestowed upon Black women in the South because of Stacey Abrams’ acts of courage, tenacity, and endless strides to bring fairness to our people. And to see my home state turn blue, knowing the history it’s rooted in, gave me reassurance that anything is possible and attainable with persistence. There’s pride in knowing that we have a strong leader that won’t give up or let up. The work Stacey Abrams is doing is almost greater than her. It will outlive her; this legacy will withstand as years surpass. Tenacity may not overcome all structural obstacles placed in our path but it gets the door open and lets our voices begin to be heard.
In the words of the great Andre 3000, born and raised in Georgia: “The South got somethin’ to say.”
This post was written by Candis Mcdow and originated on Modern Brown Girl.
