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Tag: Stacey Abrams

  • 13 Trailblazing Black Women in Politics

    The recent victory of Mary Sheffield as the first female mayor of Detroit marks another significant milestone in the ongoing journey of Black women in American politics. This historic win places her among a distinguished lineage of trailblazers, from icons like Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan to contemporary leaders who continue to break barriers and redefine the political landscape.

    Mary Sheffield: A New Era for Detroit

    Mary Sheffield’s election as Detroit’s first female mayor is a testament to her dedication and extensive political career. Having served on the Detroit City Council since 2013 and making history as the youngest council president in 2022, Sheffield’s platform focuses on improving community relations, expanding access to jobs and healthcare, and revitalizing neighborhoods. Her victory speech emphasized unity and a shared belief in a brighter future for Detroit.

    Pioneers Who Paved the Way

    Sheffield’s achievement stands on the shoulders of giants. These 13 women have profoundly shaped American democracy through their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality:

    1. **1. Shirley Chisholm:** The first Black woman elected to Congress (1968) and a fearless advocate for social justice. Her 1972 presidential campaign broke significant ground.
    2. **2. Barbara Jordan:** The first Black woman elected to the U.S. House from the South (1972), known for her powerful voice during the Watergate hearings.
    3. **3. Carol Moseley Braun:** The first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate (1992), championing equality and environmental protection.
    4. **4. Maxine Waters:** A formidable and outspoken advocate for economic and racial justice, she made history as the first woman and African American to chair the House Financial Services Committee.
    5. **5. Donna Brazile:** A legendary political strategist who became the first Black woman to manage a U.S. presidential campaign (Al Gore, 2000).
    6. **6. Stacey Abrams:** A renowned voting rights champion who transformed political mobilization in Georgia and became the first Black woman nominated for governor by a major party in the state.
    7. **7. Kamala Harris:** The first Black and South Asian woman elected Vice President of the United States (2020), shattering barriers at the highest levels of government.
    8. **8. Marilyn Mosby:** Became the youngest chief prosecutor of a major U.S. city (Baltimore) in 2015, leading efforts in criminal justice reform.
    9. **9. Keisha Lance Bottoms:** The 60th mayor of Atlanta (2018), known for her compassionate leadership during the pandemic and racial justice movement.
    10. **10. Ayanna Pressley:** The first Black woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts (2018), a bold advocate for racial justice and health equity.
    11. **11. Cori Bush:** The first Black woman to represent Missouri in Congress (2020), bringing an activist and nurse’s perspective to housing and social justice issues.
    12. **12. Karen Bass:** The first woman and second Black mayor of Los Angeles (2022), focusing on housing, safety, and government trust.
    13. **13. Letitia James:** The first Black woman elected New York Attorney General (2018), known for her fearless pursuit of justice and accountability, including lawsuits against Donald Trump.

    These trailblazers have not only achieved personal milestones but have also created pathways for greater representation and equity in politics. Their legislative achievements, advocacy, and sheer determination have left an indelible mark on American history, inspiring countless others to engage in the political process and strive for leadership roles.

    Which of these Black women in politics inspires you the most? Share your thoughts and any other influential figures you believe should be recognized in the comments below!

  • Stacey Abrams Warns AI Could Aid Authoritarianism

    In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world, Stacey Abrams is sounding a crucial alarm. The political leader and author warns that AI, despite its potential, could easily become a powerful tool for authoritarianism if its development and control aren’t carefully managed with democratic principles at their core.

    Democracy vs. Authoritarianism in the Age of AI

    Speaking at AfroTech, Abrams, who recently released her tech-thriller ‘Coded Justice,’ emphasized that the future of AI hinges on who controls the flow of information. “Democracy decides what information is available because in an authoritarian regime, we limit access to information. In a democracy, information is free-flowing,” she explained, as reported by Blavity. “If we do not control for and defend democracy, AI becomes a tool for authoritarianism.”

    She elaborated that unchecked AI could be used to restrict knowledge, limit access, and dictate how our lives are guided. This potential for control, Abrams believes, is a direct threat to democratic ideals and the free exchange of information that underpins them.

    Learning from the Internet’s Past

    Drawing parallels to the internet’s early days, Abrams stressed the importance of asking critical questions about any new technology from the outset. “What, how, when, who? Those are important questions we should ask of any technology,” she urged. “Think about what we could have had if we had asked those questions when the internet was first starting out.”

    Failing to ask these questions, she warned, means accepting the answers dictated by others, which can lead to a future where algorithms control our experiences, like being stuck in a filtered TikTok feed. Abrams, who has dedicated significant efforts to fighting voter suppression through her organization Fair Fight Action, believes the same accountability and ethical standards applied in business and civic life should extend to AI development.

    Accountability for AI

    As an entrepreneur herself, Abrams understands the drive to innovate and launch products. However, she firmly believes that this drive must be balanced with a profound sense of responsibility. “My responsibility as a citizen means that the safety of my customers, the safety of my community has to be paramount. AI should be held to those same standards,” she asserted.

    What are your thoughts on Stacey Abrams’ warning about AI? How do you think we can ensure AI serves democracy rather than authoritarianism? Share your views in the comments below!

  • 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.

    What does the future of democracy look like to you? Share your thoughts and how you plan to get involved in the comments below!

  • Stacey Abrams’ New Georgia Project Closes

    The New Georgia Project, a prominent voter mobilization group co-founded by Stacey Abrams, has announced it will cease operations. This closure comes as the organization has faced significant financial challenges and ethical scrutiny in recent years, casting a shadow over its future ahead of the crucial 2026 election cycle.

    Financial Struggles and Ethical Concerns

    Founded in 2013, The New Georgia Project played a pivotal role in boosting Democratic electoral gains in the state, particularly in 2020. However, the organization has reportedly struggled financially in recent years. Adding to its difficulties, it faced ethics complaints and a substantial $300,000 fine in early 2025 from the State Ethics Commission. These penalties stemmed from accusations of violating Georgia campaign finance laws between 2018 and 2019, during a period when Senator Raphael Warnock was involved before his Senate bid.

    Former employees have also spoken out, with reports indicating layoffs in December 2024. Some described a “climate of chaos” within the organization. The closure marks the end of an era for a group known for its extensive grassroots organizing and vibrant presence in urban and rural communities across Georgia.

    A Call for New Leadership

    In a statement submitted by board chair Rev. James Woodall, the organization’s directors indicated that the closure reflects a need for new leadership to step forward. “We recognize that the work of building a just and truthful world remains urgent,” the statement read. “This moment calls for strong and courageous leaders to step forward, guided by principles and purpose.”

    Stacey Abrams herself has called the organization’s issues “disappointing.” The closure of The New Georgia Project, alongside another Abrams-founded organization, Fair Fight, raises questions about the future of Democratic organizing in the state, especially with key elections like Senator Jon Ossoff’s reelection in 2026 on the horizon.

    The Road Ahead for Georgia Democrats

    While the absence of The New Georgia Project is significant, other organizations are continuing the work. Cliff Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, cautioned against assuming that no further organizing will occur in the state. He noted that a lack of continued investment post-2020, compared to the intense focus during that election year, has led to the current situation.

    What are your thoughts on the closure of The New Georgia Project? How do you think this will impact future elections in Georgia? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Stacey Abrams: Politics, Business & Net Worth

    Stacey Abrams is a name synonymous with resilience, advocacy, and significant influence, particularly within the Black community and American politics. From her groundbreaking runs for Georgia governor to her tireless work in voting rights, Abrams has consistently demonstrated a powerful ability to shape conversations and drive change. This multifaceted career has not only left a lasting political legacy but has also contributed to an impressive net worth, reflecting her impact across various professional arenas.

    From Academia to Activism: A Foundation of Excellence

    Born in 1973, Abrams’ journey began with a strong academic foundation. She earned degrees from Spelman College, the LBJ School at the University of Texas at Austin, and Yale Law School – all before the age of 25. Her early career included roles as a tax attorney and co-founder of NOWaccount Network Corp, a firm focused on small business finance, laying the groundwork for her future entrepreneurial and public service endeavors.

    Her entry into the national political spotlight came with her historic 2018 gubernatorial campaign in Georgia, where she became the first Black woman nominated by a major party. Although she narrowly lost, her campaign powerfully highlighted issues of voter suppression, leading her to establish Fair Fight Action and the New Georgia Project. These initiatives have been credited with registering hundreds of thousands of new voters and playing a crucial role in Georgia’s political shifts.

    A Multifaceted Business Portfolio

    Beyond her political activism, Abrams has cultivated a successful business career. She co-founded NOW account/Now Inc. in 2010, a financial services firm that has raised significant capital to support small businesses. Her expertise also extends to clean energy, serving as senior counsel for Rewiring America and sitting on the board of the clean energy company Heliogen.

    A significant portion of her income stems from her prolific writing career. As a New York Times bestselling author, her works like “Our Time Is Now” and “Lead from the Outside” have resonated widely. She has also penned fiction and children’s books, including “Stacey’s Extraordinary Words,” and previously wrote eight novels under the pen name Selena Montgomery. These ventures showcase her ability to blend social impact with economic acumen.

    Stacey Abrams’ Estimated Net Worth

    Stacey Abrams’ net worth is estimated to be just over $3 million. This figure is a testament to her diverse income streams, including book royalties, speaking fees, board compensation, and equity in her various business ventures. Her assets include significant real estate holdings, such as a nearly $1 million home in Atlanta and a property for her parents, alongside investments in stocks.

    Her financial success underscores her ability to leverage her public profile and expertise into sustainable wealth, demonstrating that resilience, intelligence, and purpose can yield substantial rewards beyond just influence.

    Current Endeavors and Legacy

    In 2025, Abrams continues her impactful work. She leads Fair Fight Action, advocating for voting rights, and serves as senior counsel for Rewiring America, focusing on climate policy and electrification. She is also actively promoting her written works and her Netflix series, “Assembly Required,” along with her children’s program “Stacey’s Extraordinary Words.” Her continued engagement in policy forums and university events solidifies her position as a leading influencer in civic engagement and clean energy.

    What aspect of Stacey Abrams’ career do you find most inspiring? Share your thoughts in the comments below!