How to Support Black Women After the Alabama Senate Election

On December 12, Doug Jones was announced as the winner of Alabama’s special election for a vacated seat in the United States Senate. At least 98% of black women in Alabama voted for the Democratic candidate, overcoming voter suppression tactics to stop alleged child predator Roy Moore from being elected.

The turnout among this voting demographic is similar to the 2016 presidential election, where 94% of black women attempted to protect themselves and their communities from then-candidate Donald Trump by voting for Hillary Clinton. Because of the group’s efforts in Alabama, the internet is calling attention to black women, who consistently stand up for their communities at the polls.

But black women didn’t just “save” the state from Roy Moore, as if they alone should be held responsible for stopping the self-destructive tendencies of their white counterparts, as activist Bree Newsome pointed out. They should be recognized for their consistent efforts to make the country a better place — and not just after an election win.

Here are a few ways for you to help support the efforts of black women, in Alabama and beyond.

Support black female candidates.

Historically, black women have voted more than any other demographic group, only to have their voices ignored in policy decisions after the elections. That’s why it’s crucial to support black women running for political office, such as Stacey Abrams, who if elected will become the first black women to become a governor of a state.

Yesterday, I went looking for a database of Black women who are running for office in 2018. I didn't find one, so with the help of 4 other people, I created one that has info of 100+ women: https://t.co/IIzYcQhac4

— Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) December 14, 2017

#Blackwomen don't want your thanks.
We want a seat at the table.
We deserve it.
WE BUILT THE FUCKING TABLE AND ARE CLAIMING OUR SEAT AT IT.
We demand seat at the meeting before the meeting and at the meeting after the meeting.

Last thing:
Take us off the menu, too.

Thanks.

— me. (@blahzayskippy) December 13, 2017

Amplify organizations led by black women, serving black women.

Higher Heights for America, a black women-led organization, works to create political leadership pipelines for black women to run for office and ensure their voices are heard at the table. Black Youth Project 100 and Black Lives Matter are two black women-led organizations working to implement policy agendas rooted in justice and liberation for black communities. These organizations play a vital role in uplifting voices that have been historically silenced. We need to support these organizations through financial donations or joining to become a member.

Fund black women and the groups they lead.

To ensure the transformational work black women are doing in their communities continues, we need to support and invest in them. We need support and elect black women in their efforts …

Please read original article- How to Support Black Women After the Alabama Senate Election