Stacey Abrams
Author, entrepreneur, voting rights activist, and political leader
Stacey Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, voting rights activist, and political leader. She served as Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives and became the first Black woman to be the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in United States history.
Abrams has launched multiple nonprofit organizations devoted to democracy protection and effective public policy, and she has co-founded successful companies including a financial services firm and the media company Sage Works Productions, Inc. She is also the founder of American Pride Rises Network, a collective of organizations fighting to defend diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the lead organizer of the 10 Steps Campaign, a nationwide mobilization and education effort against competitive authoritarianism.
How does Abrams embody Facing Race’s theme: “Rooted in Resistance, Powered by Solidarity”?
She reminds us that democracy requires more than a single election: Abrams has spent her career showing that democracy must be built, defended, expanded, and demanded together. Her work on voting rights, civic participation, and public policy reflects the long-term infrastructure our communities need to build governing power.
She turns resistance into strategy: From the Georgia State Legislature to national democracy protection efforts, Abrams has modeled how communities can meet attacks on voting rights and equity with discipline, organization, and a clear vision for what comes next.
She grounds solidarity in collective power: Abrams’ leadership reminds us that multiracial democracy depends on people and organizations working across communities, sectors, and geographies to protect rights, strengthen institutions, and build a future where all people can thrive.
We are honored to welcome Stacey Abrams to the Facing Race keynote stage this November!