Keisha Lance Bottoms Discusses Challenges Faced by Black Women

Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia, spoke about the unique challenges facing Black women during the women’s event Radiant Conversations. She expressed that there is a conditioning that takes place, suggesting that Black women often feel they must rely solely on themselves. “You can’t depend on anybody else,” she remarked. “If you don’t do it for yourself, ain’t nobody else gonna do it for you.”

Bottoms characterized this mindset as a “post-traumatic slave mentality.” She emphasized that while the burden may be felt individually, it is, in fact, a shared struggle. “This is a sisterhood,” she stated, noting that it’s crucial to foster a sense of community and support rather than rushing ahead alone.

She added, “Taking others with you is what matters most,” reflecting on the lessons she has learned and how they have shaped her perspective. “I’m just so grateful to have learned those lessons and to be able to apply them in this season,” she shared.

In her campaign, Bottoms, who previously served as the mayor of Atlanta and was a senior advisor to President Joe Biden, aims to contrast Biden’s achievements against those of former President Donald Trump. She plans to highlight how Trump influenced the state of Georgia. During a CNN appearance on OutFront, she confidently stated, “I will put Biden up against Trump’s record any day of the week, especially in the way he delivered for Georgia.”

Bottoms pointed out that issues like the rising cost of living, including grocery and healthcare expenses, are at the forefront of people’s minds in her state. She noted that “500,000 people in this state opted not to get healthcare after the big, ugly bill,” underlining what she believes should be the focus of her campaign.

Her firm stance against Trump was made clear when she announced her candidacy, calling him a “disaster for our economy and our country.” She cited his failures in managing rising prices and letting a billionaire influence cuts to Medicare and Social Security. Bottoms concluded, “Donald Trump is no laughing matter. My grandmama taught me, no matter how hard they swing, you never stay down. You fight back.” This sentiment, she explained, is part of her motivation for running—because “Georgia families deserve far better than what Donald Trump and Republicans are giving us.”