#How to Acknowledge Black Women for Their Role in the 2020 Election

If the presidential election went in your favor, you’re probably enjoying the memes, tweets, and posts pouring in about Stacey Abrams and the ways Black women showed up for our country. It’s as if Black women in Georgia rolled up their sleeves and said, “Dang, I gotta do everything?” And that’s partially true. The success of this country was long built on the labor of Black women, and they did what they always have: worked hard to get the change they deserve.

What happened in Georgia?

Stacey Abrams ran for office at the same time as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018, running for Governor of the state of Georgia. While she ended up losing the election by 55,000 votes to her opponent, Brian Kemp, a massive execution of voter suppression tactics were revealed in the race.

She could have sent lawyers and asked for a recount, but instead, Abrams’ response was to engage directly with those affected. Abrams worked with her organization Fair Fight and registered over 800,000 new voters, including 450,000 in neighborhoods predominantly comprised of people of color.

As a result, a Democratic lead was established in Georgia, flipping the state during the 2020 election last week.

Ways to support Black women in Georgia

It’s great to give thanks and praise, but there are more ways to honor the hard work Stacey Abrams and other Black women put into increasing access for voters. In addition to reposting that Instagram quote or retweeting a heartfelt dedication, here are some ways to honor the women who turned out the vote.

Donate to credible organizations fighting voter suppression

You might tire of people telling you to throw money at problems, but the fight against voter suppression requires funds. Consider donating to organizations like Fair Fight that support the rights of voters who have historically been the target of voter suppression.

You can also donate to causes that support the livelihoods of Black women. The Center for Black Women’s Wellness in Atlanta, Georgia is dedicated to uplifting the wellness of Black women from physical, mental, and fiscal health. These types of organizations help the wellbeing of Black women beyond the political.

Impact the Georgia Senate runoff

Get the word out about the Georgia Senate runoff. While Biden is president-elect, there are Senate seats still at stake and Georgians need to vote again on January 5. New 18-year olds can register to vote by December 7. They may not have been able to vote in this presidential election, but voting on January 5 gives them a chance to get in on the action. Read up on the candidates that are up for election in Georgia’s runoff and support where you can.

Support Black women-owned businesses

Systemic roadblocks against Black women are still very real, but you can support them by supporting their businesses. The organization Buy From a Black Woman strives to make Black woman-owned businesses better known; read up on their mission, view their directory of Black women-owned businesses, and become a customer.

Stay educated on voter suppression

Find ways to learn more about the history of voting, voter rights, and voter suppression. You can start simple by watching documentaries like Knock Down the House on Netflix, or Slay the Dragon by Magnolia films, or learning from the quick facts-driven series Explained in their current season, “Whose Vote Counts.”