Why Are All Eyes on Georgia Right Now?

Thoughts on one of the most watched governor races in the country

I don’t know about anyone else, but to me, Georgia’s 2018 Midterm campaign season has been more outlandish than usual. I get that Atlanta is the birthplace of “the culture” (not up for debate), but I had no idea that my lil ol’ state of residence could work up so much national attention for something as “seemingly” mundane as state and local elections.

For as long as I can remember, our gubernatorial races were usually a contest between two old white guys (nothing against old white guys) who honestly never inspired me to go out and cast a ballot. But this year, the tables have definitely turned as we’ve seen a few more demographics not only being represented, but also pulling up chairs and having well-deserved seats at these tables.

Because Atlanta is such a melting pot, it can be hard to really understand why things are the way that they are once you set foot outside of the city limits.

According to the 2010 Census, Atlanta is 54 percent black. Yes, you read that right. Over half of Atlanta is black.

So why haven’t we had a black governor yet? Well, according to that same 2010 Census, black people only make up about 30 percent of the population in Georgia. As you can already guess, that’s simply not enough to turn a red state blue, or even purple for that matter.

When it comes to black culture, Atlanta is a sacred place. There’s a feeling of comfort that you get as soon as you touch down in the city. It’s a feeling that your black or brown face is not only welcome but also celebrated. This is a feeling that transcends county lines, city limits, state borders, and even countries and continents. It’s definitely something that native Atlantans and even transplants realize. But up until recently, I don’t believe that we truly harnessed the power of it.

This 2018 Midterm campaign season has shown me how powerful black culture can be, especially when the efforts are organized and everyone essentially wants the same thing.

It’s also shown me how threatening black culture can be in the face of systemic oppression, gentrification, voter suppression and so much more.

As I’ve observed the race between Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp, it forced me to realize a sad truth. The truth is that there really are people out there who will wholeheartedly support a candidate who cocks shotguns, blows up random stuff, and brags about having a big truck just in case he has to “round up criminal illegals and take em’ home” himself (his words, not mine) all in one campaign commercial.

The theatrics I’ve seen on the republican side of this campaign have definitely veered off course from year’s past, and in some respects I get it. Republicans feel threatened.

The reality is that even if Stacey Abrams doesn’t win, she’s already made history as the first black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in Georgia. She’s already opened a door that is propped open by women, millennials, black people, suppressed voters, illegal immigrants and so many more who want a chance at the life that we’ve watched a small portion of people live for so long.

All we needed was proof that it could be done by one of us and Stacey Abrams has given us that.

Right now the sentiment of voters in this country, at least those in their right minds, is one of jaded dissatisfaction. We’re looking for someone to really step up and represent us. We’ve been silenced by the minority of people who seem to own the majority of wealth. So much so that we’ve forgotten that we are, in fact, a majority.

That’s why Stacey Abrams has so many A-list people, who have absolutely no connection to the State of Georgia, voicing their support. They’re reminding us that there’s power in numbers and knowledge and just overall goodness.

I could go on for days about the fact that Brian Kemp holds a position that requires him to oversee the very election that he’s running in. Or even the fact that he tried to “unregister” over 340,000 people by cancelling their registrations, but that’s not what this is about.

The key takeaway from all of this is that even when people resort to ridiculous theatrics and dishonest methods to get ahead, it only shines a brighter light on those who are doing right.

I’m not telling anyone who to vote for, but if nothing else, definitely look into your state’s voting laws and make sure they’re in your favor for future elections.

Now go vote! And be sure to share your “I voted” sticker pics with us on Instagram!