Historically, the state of Georgia has been considered a conservative or “red” state, with the Republican Party maintaining control in most cities and counties (with the exception of metro Atlanta) since the late 1940’s. However, the month of May has proven that change may be on the horizon. Georgia has begun to see a political shift, which may reflect the greater need for a diversity of representatives, policies, and mandated programs that reflect the diversity of the state’s residents. Given such a polarizing socio-political climate, and as a Georgia resident, it is encouraging to see people mobilizing behind candidates who believe in inclusion and who are working to make this vision a reality. This kind of shift is brightening up a place that, many believe, have been in the dark for so long, and I think it is pointing the way forward for a new political wave of inclusion.
At the local level, in early 2018, former Mayor Kasim Reed was succeeded by Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms. Bottoms is the second African-American female Mayor in Atlanta’s history, with Ms. Shirley Franklin serving as the first from 2002-2010. As Mayor Lance-Bottoms settles into her new position, she has already begun to set the city on fire. Earlier this week she announced the establishment of the city’s first ever Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion that will be referred to as “One Atlanta.” She said in a statement, “This office is charged to ensure equitable, open and inclusive practices across all city departments and functions,” and will “shine light on our forgotten communities and build a bridge towards greater inclusiveness across the entire city.”
At the State level, lawyer Stacy Abrams won the primary to become the State of Georgia’s Democratic nominee for governor last week on May 22nd. Abrams will go down in history for being elected as the first African American woman to be a major party nominee for governor. This general election is poised to draw heavy attention, not only on a local and state level, but on a national level as well. Many voters are weighing whether a progressive African American woman can capture a victory against the popular and historically conservative state.
Ms. Abrams won more than 75 percent of the votes against Stacey Evans in the primaries, and it was noted that their approaches to the election were very different. While Evans, a white woman, focused on white suburbanites on the fence – those who may have more conservative or moderate values but who didn’t want to vote for conservative candidates touting guns and driving deportation buses around town. Abrams focused on mobilizing marginalized voters – particularly black women. Although the general election does not take place until later this year, this momentum towards change is where the true victory lies, and hopefully, Abrams approach will at the very least mobilize a desperately underrepresented group of citizens for future change.
Both Abrams’ and Lance-Bottom’s victories come to many as a surprise. However, I believe these are changes that were bound to happen as a result of current climate. Although I am not here to discuss my personal political position, I think it is remarkable to see evidence of a shift in focus in American politics that is hopefully creating an environment where everyone has similar opportunities if they choose to pursue their dreams. I wonder what else 2018 has in store for the State of Georgia.
