The third annual Women of Color Political Alliance Luncheon celebrated five distinguished ladies, elected officials, and candidates across metro Atlanta on Sunday. They shared visions of inspiring women and the larger electorate as they discussed reproductive rights and protecting democratic freedoms. Plus, the event highlighted the importance of supporting an agenda that affects multicultural women. The small, intimate luncheon of women leaders in different communities and cities across Metro Atlanta is important for giving visibility to women of color candidates who sometimes receive less attention than other candidates.
State Senator Sonya Halpern, a Democrat from Atlanta, invigorated the audience with her personal story of the importance of celebrating Black culture and focusing on giving attention to HBCUs.
“There is a huge barrier to us taking that leap of faith and trying to dive into what has historically been a man’s world,” said Halpern. “Even today in the Georgia General Assembly, you can see that Georgia is exactly what you think it is on the one hand and is totally different than you might imagine on the other.”
Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, candidate for Gwinnett County School Board District 5, is an experienced education leader emphasizing multicultural learning. She highlighted her historical roots from her descendants from Texas and the importance of knowing your history and research when navigating her journey into politics.
“There’s some power that we have as people is knowing who you are unapologetically and not letting anyone put us in a box or tell our story,” explained Johnson-Morgan. “Our story is a story of power, privilege, honor and glory. So we have to tell our stories to people here who are running for reelection or for running for our seat for the first time.”
Rep. Ruwa Romman, a Democrat from Duluth, was the first Muslim woman ever elected to the Georgia State House in 2022. Romman spoke of being able to bring a voice and bridging the gap, focusing on awareness of voting rights and the realness of women being heard in the Georgia General Assembly and how she is inspired to represent Gwinnett county.
“We launched a campaign in 15 days, we built so much momentum, but what really mattered was the community we built along the way,” said Romman. “When you run for office, you are not running alone. You’re running with an entire family of people around you. Lean on them. I had a hard time asking for help because I felt like I owed it to them to get this right. But the only way for me to get it right is to get them involved. So I was really stoked.”
Meanwhile, Representative-elect Mary Ann Santos will begin her first term in the Georgia House in 2025. She discussed her journey with roots in the criminal justice system and how she will advocate for the citizens of McDonough, West Locust Grove, and Luella. She says her focuses will be on education, healthcare, and protecting victims of domestic violence.
“If I hadn’t gone through that, I wouldn’t have the strength that I have for everything that’s going to come,” explained Santos. “Because I know these naysayers are going to come. I’m not perfect, but I’m ready because my whole life has prepared me so I just want to encourage you to never ever feel like you’re not enough. Because what’s for you is for you. And no man can take that from you.”
Debra Shigley, is seeking to represent the 47th Georgia House District, an area that includes Milton in northern Fulton County. Shigley says she is devoted to restoring reproductive freedom and providing solutions to create more affordable living.
“If there is any silver lining to all of the horrific things that have happened in the news, I truly believe in my heart that spark will light a fire under everyone in this room,” explained Shigley. “We see that our voices are needed, because we need to be in there to help make the laws and help drive the movements that are controlling our everyday lives.”
Gloria Wilson Moore is the founder of the Women of Color Political Alliance. She discussed what inspired her to establish a platform for women to be visible and have support.
“In 2024, in the 21st century, it’s a sad commentary that in America, there have been only four non-white women US Senators in history (out of over 2000), one non-white female VP, and zero WOC presidents,” said Moore. “Despite representing over 45% of women, WOC are underrepresented in our government. Representation matters. So, it’s crucial that Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian women collaborate, coalesce, and support each other politically. That’s what the Women of Color Political Alliance is all about.”
