Stacey Abrams appointed to Howard University chair, focused on race, Black politics

Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY
·2 min read
3
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Howard University announced that Stacey Abrams, the voting rights activist and two-time Democratic nominee for governor in Georgia, will join its staff.

Abrams will serve as the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics, the historically Black university in Washington confirmed Wednesday.

The role will “foster interdisciplinary collaborations across the University on critical issues of race and Black politics,” the university explained, in addition to playing a role in research and leading a speakers series.

“Stacey Abrams has proven herself an essential voice and eager participant in protecting American democracy – not just for certain populations, but for everyone with the fundamental right to make their voices heard,” Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said.

What is Abrams saying?

Abrams said she’s “honored” by the appointment.

“We are at an inflection point for American and international democracy, and I look forward to engaging Howard University's extraordinary students in a conversation about where they can influence, shape and direct the critical public policy decisions we face,” she said.

Ronald Walters was an activist and leading scholar on “issues affecting the African Diaspora,” the university explained. He was also a longtime professor at Howard University.

Abrams has lost gubernatorial races to Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp twice, once in 2018 and once last year. She lost by less than two percentage points in the first race, but she lost by more than 7% in 2022.

She also previously served as the Democratic leader of Georgia’s General Assembly, in addition to building voter rights and registration nonprofit organizations.

Abrams told the Washington Post this week that she has not ruled out running for office again, but it's not her focus at this time. Abrams was considered a possible option for President Joe Biden's vice presidential pick in 2020.

More coverage from USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stacey Abrams appointed to Howard University chair in Washington