The political leader and advocate will contribute to shaping public policy discussions and academic initiatives at the historic institution.
Stacey Abrams, the political activist and lawyer from Georgia, will join Howard University in Washington, D.C., as the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics starting in September. This marks a significant step in her post-election career after her unsuccessful bid for Georgia’s governorship in 2022.
Howard University, one of the leading historically Black colleges in the United States, announced that Abrams would not be a full-time faculty member but would contribute in various ways, including delivering lectures, inviting guest speakers, and hosting symposiums. Abrams will collaborate with multiple departments to focus on finding “real-world solutions” to issues affecting Black communities and other marginalised groups. While she will be based in Atlanta, her role at Howard will have a far-reaching impact on students and the wider community.
In a statement, Howard President Wayne A. I. Frederick praised Abrams for her role in safeguarding American democracy and representing the fundamental rights of all citizens. Abrams herself expressed excitement about engaging with Howard’s students, emphasising the importance of shaping public policy at this critical juncture for both American and international democracy.
Since her election loss, Abrams has remained active in various fields. She served as an international election observer in Nigeria, promoted her children’s book, “Stacey’s Remarkable Books,” and prepared for the launch of her adult book, “Rogue Justice.” Additionally, she joined Rewiring America as senior counsel to advocate for clean energy initiatives.
Despite her career’s current focus on academia and activism, Abrams has hinted at a possible return to politics. In an interview with Drew Barrymore, she indicated that she may run for office again, stating, “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.”
As a trailblazer in politics, Abrams made history in 2018 as the first Black woman to be nominated for governor by a major party. Though her future political plans remain uncertain, Georgia’s shift towards a Democratic leadership in the Senate, with Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock as U.S. senators, reflects her lasting influence.
A graduate of Spelman College, another renowned historically Black institution, Abrams has taught at the college as an adjunct professor. She has also held numerous roles, including as minority leader of the Georgia House, a voting rights advocate, an entrepreneur, and a prolific author. Over the years, Abrams has earned millions from her books and speeches, cementing her as a significant figure in both politics and literature.
The chair she will hold at Howard is named after the late Ronald W. Walters, a legendary figure in political science who taught at Howard and later directed the African American Leadership Institute at the University of Maryland. Walters was known for his pivotal role in civil rights activism and his work with the Congressional Black Caucus.
