Stacey Abrams Delivers Inspiring Post-Election Discussion at Howard University

Stacey Abrams gathers with Howard students and faculty. (Belaynesh Shiferaw/ 101 Mag)

On Oct. 20, Wednesday evening, Howard University hosted Stacey Abrams, the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics, for a stimulating discussion on the post-election landscape.

Abrams, known for advocating for voting rights and political engagement, began the conversation with thought-provoking remarks. 

She emphasized that Donald Trump’s electoral success was achieved with a vote count equivalent to the state of Mississippi, urging attendees to reflect on the implications of those numbers.

“We need to understand what those numbers mean,” Abrams said, encouraging the audience to shift focus away from the electoral college structure and towards the broader significance of voter engagement and turnout.

Abrams stressed that meaningful change starts at the local level, highlighting the influence of state governments, city councils and school boards on issues like education policy. She pointed to recent state-led actions, such as book bans and restrictions on teaching certain historical events, as examples of how local decisions profoundly shape communities.

“Erase history, ban books – the bulk of power is no longer federal, it is school boards and city councils,” said Abrams.

She then opened the floor for questions and comments, and students voiced their frustrations with America’s political climate, raising topics such as attacks on Title IX, the disregard for secularism and the GOP’s prioritization of economic concerns over human rights.

Abrams responded with firm encouragement, emphasizing the importance of resilience and strategic opposition. 

“When they weaponize Title IX, show them its benefits,” she urged.

Another student raised concerns about the emotional toll activism can have on Black women.  To which Abrams reminded students of the necessity of persistence.

 “We have to stay angry. You can tag out for a minute, but you cannot leave the arena,” Abrams  said.

With her passionate words of encouragement, Abrams urged attendees to stay focused on advancement, reminding them to turn apathy into activism. 

She concluded by giving her audience two jobs when she said, “Pick one thing you care about and spend the next year talking about it. Your second job is to find an organization [related to that issue] and give them your time.”

“We cannot give them a win”

-Stacey Abrams