More than 300 Black women leaders gathered at the Georgia State Capitol as the 2026 legislative session opened, delivering a strong message to lawmakers during a high-stakes election year: Black women are organized, engaged and determined to push their priorities forward.
The day of advocacy was convened by the Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable, an initiative of the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda. Participants traveled from communities across the state to meet with legislators, attend a press conference and participate in a policy-focused luncheon aimed at elevating issues affecting Black families and neighborhoods.
At the press conference, Helen Butler, executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda and convener of the Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable, addressed the crowd gathered at the Capitol.
“Black women have come together to advocate for our issues. Legislators need to listen, because we are voting our issues. Over 300,000 Black women have lost jobs or been pushed out of work, and that is a crisis that cannot be ignored. We will continue to show up, organize, and forge ahead because we are determined to create opportunities for our communities,” Butler said.
Speakers emphasized the political influence and civic engagement of Black women, one of the most consistent voting blocs in the country. Dee Dawkins‑Haigler, president of the Organization of World Leaders, highlighted the wide range of roles Black women hold in their communities.
“We are mothers, we are educators, we are caregivers, we are business owners, we are voters, and we are united. We make up one of the most consistent voting blocs in the country,” Dawkins-Haigler said, while calling for livable wages, strong public education systems and affordable health care.
Youth leader Mary‑Pat Hector, CEO of RISE, stressed the urgency of the moment as Georgia prepares for upcoming elections.
“Let me be clear: this is not just another day at the Capitol. This a very important year for our community. We have elections,” Hector said, adding that the group plans to remain active throughout the year in both civic organizing and voter outreach.
Other speakers included leaders from advocacy organizations, government and civic groups, such as Dr. A. Lois Keith of the National Council of Negro Women and state representatives including Kim Schofield and Doreen Carter.
During the Black Women U3: United, Unapologetic, Unstoppable luncheon, attendees held a candid conversation with lawmakers about legislation affecting everyday life in Georgia. Participants raised concerns about aggressive homeowners associations, called for bereavement leave protections and urged stronger safety standards for high school athletics after the loss of a student athlete.
State representatives Rhonda Burnough, Viola Davis, Sheila Jones and Schofield addressed the gathering and responded to questions from attendees.
Representatives from more than 36 organizations participated in the day of action, including the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the National Council of Negro Women.
Founded by civil rights leader Joseph E. Lowery, the People’s Agenda continues to focus on voter education, registration and mobilization across Georgia, with offices in several cities throughout the state.