Apr 8, 2025
A civic engagement group focused on Georgia is weighing in on the state of Black women and the path forward as the nation faces major changes.
The group 1000 Women Strong recently held its virtual 2025 State of Black Women event, highlighting the key issues facing Black women and how the organization is building solutions. They operate through three arms, one of which centers on voter engagement.
Shakya Cherry-Donaldson, executive director of the group, said in 2024, they engaged more than a half million Black women and helped convert 10% into first-time voters. But in Georgia, she noted the need looks different.
"Over 90% of Black women in Georgia are registered to vote. Does that mean over 90% of Black women in Georgia do vote? No," Cherry-Donaldson observed. "Georgia doesn't have a specific voter registration gap. They have a voter engagement and mobilization gap."
She pointed out the group is focused on making sure voters in the state feel informed, have valid IDs, and are empowered to turn out. This year, they plan to reach nearly 600,000 potential voters across 10 states.
In addition to voter outreach, the organization is also focused on the issues it said affect Black women and their communities the most, including a focus on health and healing, from improving maternal care and expanding Medicaid to advocating for culturally competent, trauma-informed mental health care and addressing rural hospital closures.
Full story: https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/placeholder-state-of-civic-engagement-among-black-women-in-ga/7db69f88-0c1b-4d37-a157-b6231b1737ef?