Stacey Abrams & LaTosha Brown: ‘Listen To Black Women’ on Democracy

With Election Day looming, a critical conversation about the state of democracy is underway. In the latest episode of ‘Listen to Black Women: Election Special,’ voting rights activist Stacey Abrams and community organizer LaTosha Brown joined hosts Jessie Woo and Lore’l for an urgent discussion on power, politics, and the vital role Black women play in shaping our future.

Navigating Manufactured Chaos

LaTosha Brown highlighted the deliberate nature of the current political climate, explaining that the constant stream of unsettling headlines is designed to create division and fear, ultimately paralyzing people from taking action. “We have to recognize that this moment is being manufactured in a way to keep us divided, to keep us in a constant state of chaos and fear, so that we’re paralyzed and won’t respond to what is happening right now,” Brown stated.

Both Abrams and Brown emphasized that political engagement is not optional. Stacey Abrams powerfully stated, “People may not be into politics, but politics is into you.” They urged listeners to recognize that while not everyone needs to do the same thing, collective action is essential. “We don’t all have to do the same thing, but in this moment, we all have to do something. And if we are willing to do something, we get the world we deserve.”

The Blueprint of Autocracy vs. Freedom

Abrams, drawing from her work ’10 Steps to Autocracy,’ described how current political behavior mirrors a deliberate effort to undermine democratic institutions. She warned that such tactics aim to silence and break the will of the people, making them believe resistance is futile. However, she countered this with her own blueprint: ’10 Steps to Freedom and Power,’ which focuses on collective action and empowerment.

Brown echoed this sentiment, affirming, “Organized people is organized power.” She highlighted the power of boycotts, like Blackout Week, as a way to exert economic pressure and drive change. “We’re not gonna spend our dollars with folks who work against us.” Similarly, organizing votes is presented as a form of resistance, a tool to decide leadership and hold elected officials accountable.

Community, Resistance, and Self-Care

The conversation also touched on the importance of community organizing and collective care, especially as vital support systems face dismantling. Brown emphasized the need to “love each other, our communities, and our institutions like we have never loved before.” Abrams pointed out that actions like cutting funding for SNAP and WIC are designed to break people’s will, but this can be resisted by strengthening community support networks.

Both Abrams and Brown spoke about the legacy of resistance inherent in Black women’s history, noting that survival has often depended on fighting back. They also stressed the importance of radical self-care in activism. Abrams shared, “I feel no guilt about giving myself a respite, because that’s where you can renew.” Brown added, “Ultimately, I’ve got to love me first,” emphasizing the need to recharge and ground oneself to continue the fight effectively.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Abrams expressed a vision beyond mere survival, advocating for demanding a better, more equitable government. “We need to demand the government we deserve,” she urged. “We have spent so much time protecting the little we had, we forgot to ask for more.” The call to action is clear: recognize, activate, and build to create the democracy and futures we deserve.