Our country was on edge in anticipation of the 2020 Presidential Election outcome. Many were fearful of how our country would pull through under the current leadership. Many were hopeful that a change was on the horizon. That change lied in the hands of Black women across the United States. Similar to our nurturing spirit that uplifts our families, Black women also have even more strength that aided in uplifting America.
Black women are the most powerful voting group in the United States. According to CNBC, 91% of Black Women voted for the Democratic Presidential Elect, Joe Biden, and Vice Presidential Elect, Kamala Harris. It didn’t stop there either. Black women were extremely instrumental in mobilizing women to have their voices heard in this election. Black Girls Vote was one of the major organizations that assisted women in having their vote heard at the poll.
“Black Girls Vote is a non partisan organization and is committed to uplifting the black community through education and inspiring black women to understand the public policy decisions affecting their families and communities,” explains Outreach Lead, Patricia Watson. The pandemic presented some challenges back in March. However, Black Girls Vote made a genius pivot to remain vocal in the fight.
The organization began having virtual voter education drives and excitement rallies. They also birthed “Party at the Mailbox.” “We launched Party AtThe Mailbox in 3 cities: Baltimore, Detroit and Philly. We delivered over 10,000 boxes of voter education, voter engagement and voter excitement in those 3 key cities,” says Patricia Watson. Black Girls Vote truly reached the community on various levels. Many volunteered in support of their mission.
“I was drawn to BGV for their spirit of empowerment, engagement & education of voters. They are based in impoverished minority populated cities that can and have changed the course of our country’s leadership,” explains MD volunteer, Maria Campbell Deese. “The power of the Black woman voter is unstoppable,” continues Maria. The Black Girl Magic didn’t end there.
In Georgia, Stacey Abrams was instrumental in ending voter suppression. She led the groundwork to ensure that all voter’s rights were heard in her state. Despite her 2018 gubernatorial loss she remained a key figure in not suppressing the voices of African American voters. She founded an organization known as Fair Fight to increase voter registration. In 2020 they also focused heavily on voter participation to turn things around at the polls. LaTosha Brown has also been instrumental through her organization, Black Voters Matter Fund. Ensuring that black communities are registered to vote, Brown’s organization is leading groundwork in Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Mississippi.
The Black Girl Magic was epic throughout the 2020 election and has given hope to women across the globe. Black women continue to rise above the status quo to empower their communities for greatness. It is not easy by any means and these organizations were vital in increasing voter turnout this election. Your voice matters so let your magic uplift those around you for positive change. To connect with Black Girls Vote please follow them on Instagram as @blackgirlsvote. Also visit them online or Black Girls Vote. To connect with Fair Fight, click here. The Black Voters Matter Fund can be found online here.
Writer, C. Scott, is a mother of one; author, social worker, early literacy interventionist and entrepreneur. Follow her on Instagram as @curls_coils and @mysweettealife.
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