Stacey Abrams & LaTosha Brown: Listen To Black Women

With Election Day looming, it’s time to tune in and ‘Listen to Black Women’ once again! Season 6 of the empowering series kicks off with a crucial conversation featuring voting rights activist Stacey Abrams and community organizer LaTosha Brown. They dive deep into the state of democracy, the political landscape, and the indispensable role of Black women in shaping our future.

Navigating Manufactured Chaos

LaTosha Brown highlights that the current climate of anxiety and division is often manufactured. “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,” she explains. Brown urges everyone to “wake up” and pay attention, emphasizing that politics impacts every aspect of our lives, from basic necessities like clean water to healthcare.

Stacey Abrams echoes this sentiment, stating, “People may not be into politics, but politics is into you.” She stresses that while not everyone needs to engage in the same way, collective action is vital: “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 book ’10 Steps to Autocracy,’ outlines how current political behavior mirrors a deliberate effort to undermine democratic institutions. She warns that autocrats aim to maintain power through fear, silence, and by breaking the spirit of the people, making them believe resistance is futile. “If somebody is working this damn hard to take something from you, it has value,” Brown adds, underscoring the importance of what’s at stake.

In response, Abrams offers a counter-blueprint: ’10 Steps to Freedom and Power.’ This framework emphasizes the strength found in collective action. As Brown affirms, “Organized people is organized power.” Examples include economic pressure through boycotts like Blackout Week, where communities choose not to spend money with those who work against their interests. “We’ve got to see our vote as a part of resistance,” Brown states, urging the use of every available tool to resist.

Community and Resistance

The power of community organizing is paramount. Brown explains, “When we organize our time in our communities, we can create a frontline that can protect us.” She emphasizes that collective care is essential, especially as vital support systems are dismantled. Abrams points out that actions like cutting funding for SNAP and WIC are designed to break people’s will, but this can be countered by community support and mutual aid.

Both Abrams and Brown express pride in the legacy of Black women who have historically resisted oppression. “It’s in our veins, in our blood—we come from a legacy of resistance. Why? Because our survival depended on it. What else can I do but fight?” Brown passionately states.

The Importance of Radical Self-Care

Activism is demanding work, and the guests stress the importance of self-care. Abrams finds renewal through television, movies, books, and music, stating, “I feel no guilt about giving myself a respite, because that’s where you can renew.” Brown, after facing a health issue, learned the necessity of slowing down, spending time in nature, and grounding herself. “Ultimately, I’ve got to love me first,” she says, challenging the notion that Black women must always be the sacrificial lamb.

A Vision for the Future

Looking beyond mere survival, Abrams envisions a more equitable future where demanding more is not just possible but necessary. “We need to demand the government we deserve,” she urges. “We have spent so much time protecting the little we had, we forgot to ask for more.” The path forward, she concludes, involves recognizing, activating, and building – the keys to achieving the democracy and futures we deserve.