The Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable gathered to amplify their voices on key issues affecting Black women in the state
Atlanta: Former Georgia State representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler stood before a crowd of women in matching brown t-shirts. She was thrilled to be there, saying, “God has assembled this for such a day like this.”
Dawkins-Haigler, who also hosts a radio show, declared, “No longer will we take a second seat to anybody.”
The Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable (GBWR) gathered at the Capitol with supporters from various Black-interest groups. They aimed to ensure their voices were heard among many organizations and officials present that day.
With only 40 days left to finalize the state’s budget and propose new laws, the GBWR wanted to highlight their concerns. The Georgia legislature, led by Republicans, is one of the largest in the country. Recently, they voted to elect Jon Burns as the speaker for the upcoming session.
Burns expressed confidence in the legislature’s ability to improve Georgia, saying, “It’s a great day to be in Georgia, and an even greater day to be a Georgian.”
During the session, the Black organizations aimed to discuss how to enhance the lives of Black women, mothers, and business owners in Georgia. They spotlighted a report from the GBWR that addressed issues like education, mental health, voting rights, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. A. Lois Keith, the National Chair of the National Council of Negro Women, opened the press conference, explaining the significance of their gathering. Dr. Darlene McGhee Whittington, the National President of Jack and Jill, Inc., emphasized solidarity among the women.
While it’s unclear if similar meetings will happen again this session, the sight of so many Black women at the Capitol was a powerful statement.
Dawkins-Haigler concluded, “We don’t want not one Black woman left behind. This is our moment, this is our time. Black women are here and we are here to stay.”
