Stacey Abrams Is What Multifaceted Black Power Looks Like

Stacey Abrams’ team allowed us an inside look into her book tour, with access to the Washington, D.C. stop hosted by Sixth & I. The Former Georgia State Representative and Minority Leader was in town celebrating her third novel in the Avery Keene series — this one titled Coded Justice — which follows a brilliant young law clerk.

Now, when I think of Stacey Abrams (Politician, Advocate, Author, Activist), the Powerpuff Girls always come to mind. But instead of sugar, spice, and everything nice, she’s made up of genius, multifacetedness, political warrior energy, a dash of quirk, and full-on boss babe.

The conversation was moderated by former Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden — and let me tell you, these two didn’t just talk books. We experienced a full hour of reflection, knowledge, and even a little dating advice (yes, really).

One of the most powerful moments of the night was Stacey laying out how we can fight atrocities. She broke it down in three simple steps:

1. Figure out the thing you care about.

2. Bring someone with you. (“There’s nothing more infectious than helping someone.”)

3. Talk about it. If we don’t speak on what we believe in, how will people know?

On getting people to vote, she said it’s not about chastising folks; it's about asking what they need, following up, and showing up again. Period.

But the most moving part? When Dr. Hayden asked Stacey what gives her hope for the country, she brought it home by talking about her six nieces and nephews: Jordan, Faith, Ryan, Aaron, Cameron, and Devin.

“They are the first generation since Reconstruction to lose their civil rights... I come from the first generation in my family born with full rights — and in a generation, my nieces and nephews have lost them. But what gives me hope is that they don’t believe those rights are permanently gone. They believe they’re entitled to everything — and it’s my responsibility is to make sure my hope for them becomes a hope they hold thus becomes manifested.

Whew. If that ain’t a word, I don’t know what is.

If you haven’t already, make sure you check out Stacey’s new book Coded Justice — and fun fact: did y’all know she wrote eight romance novels under the pen name Selena Montgomery? Yeah, sis does it all.