Georgia Black Women's Roundtable Asserts Demands in Crucial Election Year to Influence Legislative Agenda

Georgia Black Women's Roundtable Asserts Demands in Crucial Election Year

On January 20, 2026, the Georgia State Capitol was abuzz with energy as over 300 Black women leaders gathered for the commencement of the legislative session. They carried with them the distinct narratives and priorities of their communities, determined to make their voices heard during a pivotal election year. This powerful assembly, organized by the Georgia Black Women's Roundtable (BWR), served as a powerful reminder of their collective strength and unwavering resolve.

Helen Butler, the convener of the Georgia BWR and executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda, kicked off the proceedings at a press conference, proclaiming the unity of Black women in their advocacy efforts. "Black women have come together to advocate for our issues. Legislators need to listen because we are voting our issues," Butler stated emphatically. She highlighted the alarming statistic that over 300,000 Black women in Georgia have faced job losses or displacement, framing it as a crisis that cannot be overlooked. "We will continue to show up, organize, and forge ahead because we are determined to create opportunities for our communities," she declared.

Dee Dawkins-Haigler, president of the Organization of World Leaders, echoed Butler’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for livable wages and access to quality education and affordable healthcare. “We are mothers, educators, caregivers, business owners, and voters,” she stated, reinforcing the role Black women play as a significant voting bloc. “People need to realize that we are not to be played with.”

Mary-Pat Hector, a nationally recognized youth leader and CEO of RISE, further stressed the urgency of the moment. “This is not just another day at the Capitol. This is an important year for our community. We have elections coming up,” she noted, underscoring the ongoing struggle for voting rights and bodily autonomy. “Today, Black women in Georgia say no longer. This won't be the last time we come to the Capitol in such numbers this year. We won’t just show up; we will mobilize our community to fight back.”

The day’s activities culminated in a luncheon titled Black Women U3 United, Unapologetic, Unstoppable 2026, during which lawmakers engaged in meaningful discussions with attendees on pressing legislative issues. Participants raised a spectrum of deeply personal and community-specific concerns, demonstrating the intersectionality of their struggles. One woman advocated for reform against aggressive homeowners associations, while another highlighted the need for mandated bereavement leave policy, sharing her struggle after losing a loved one without any provisions for grief.

Among the many who attended were state representatives including Rhonda Burnough from the 77th District, Viola Davis from the 87th District, Sheila Jones from the 60th District, and Kim Schofield from the 63rd District. They listened attentively to the women’s concerns, sparking impactful dialogues aimed at shaping Georgia's future legislation.

The influential presence of organizations such as the Atlanta Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation lent further support to the cause, with representatives from over 36 different women’s organizations standing in solidarity. The Georgia BWR initiative, part of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda, has been dedicated to advocating for voter registration, education, and mobilization within Black communities throughout the state.

The day sent a compelling message to lawmakers about the resilience and determination of Black women in Georgia, as Helen Butler and other leaders vowed to continue their advocacy. The Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda, founded by civil rights leader Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, remains committed to fostering a governmental landscape that is reflective of and responsive to the needs of its constituents.

For those eager to learn more about the ongoing efforts or wishing to get involved, the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda can be followed on social media at @gcpagenda or access their website at thepeoplesagenda.org. As Georgia gears up for the pivotal election ahead, the call for action by these women resonates as a reminder that solidarity and advocacy are crucial for progress in their communities.