Why Minorities Should Not Give Up On The New South

Despite the 2018 midterm results; liberals in the south should rejoice.

There was so much trepidation around the gubernatorial races in Florida and Georgia; that Democrats and liberals were quick to embrace defeat even before all of the ballots had been counted. Even though Abrams and Gillum ultimately lost their respective races, the closeness alone will likely draw attention for races in 2020 and beyond. In the meantime, there is plenty for people like you and me to do in preparation.

As a previous resident of both Florida and Georgia; I've been able to witness the dignity and resilience of southern liberals in the shadow of some of the most institutional oppression known to this country. The nations HBCU's, Churches, and even the southern gay communities' intricate pageant system demonstrate the sense of pride that exists in minorities in the south from Daytona Beach, FL to Waycross, GA

Below are three reasons to embrace the election results so we can maintain momentum and keep moving forward.

1. It's always been about more than the Governor's Office Just like kids we are all attracted to shiny things. The governorship, just like the presidency is one of those shiny objects. We have to start paying more attention to the less glamorous government positions. A major take away for me was the importance of the 40 something secretary of state offices across the country. (They could definitely come up with a less confusing title.) This officeholder also often serves as the chief election official in their state, administering state elections and maintaining official election results. Many people believe that Brian Kemp used his secretary of state position to suppress votes and cost Stacey Abrams the election.