ATLANTA ‒ After a lengthy day dedicated to assisting voters, Tamieka Atkins chose to turn off the TV as the presidential results began to pour in just before midnight.

“I have experienced the long nights filled with anxiety,’’ remarked Atkins, who serves as the executive director of ProGeorgia, a nonpartisan coalition focused on civic engagement. “I’ve taken time to understand, and I share this with others and myself: ‘No single election is a cure-all to improve everything.’”

Atkins highlighted that Black women have historically been at the forefront of ongoing struggles related to women’s rights and electoral success.

“The work is far from complete, and I feel a responsibility to my community. So, I get up, have breakfast, and keep up with the news,’’ she continued. “Then I start to plan for the future. I think about 2025.’’

For several months, predominantly Black women-led organizations have been energetically working to increase voter turnout nationwide, raising significant funds, rallying numerous volunteers, and encouraging individuals of color from all ages to participate in elections.

Most advocates, including Atkins, abstained from telling voters whom to support; that decision was left to the voters. However, many were excited about Kamala Harris’ historic candidacy as the first Black and Southeast Asian woman to run for president.

In the lead-up to the Election Day, numerous leaders gathered in Georgia, teaming up with grassroots groups that had been tirelessly working for days, months, and even years. A Harris victory in this pivotal state might have indicated a fresh start in a region known for its trend of supporting Republican presidential candidates and GOP figures in the U.S. Senate.

In a place steeped in civil rights and voting history that has transformed the nation, Black women have been pivotal in facilitating electoral victories for Democrats in Georgia, notably aiding in the election of Joe Biden in 2020.

Thus, Harris’ defeat to former Republican President Donald Trump in Georgia was particularly painful, says Wendy Smooth, a professor of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, Political Science, and at the John Glenn School of Public Policy at The Ohio State University.

Harris’ campaign had galvanized activists and supporters in Georgia. Their grassroots voter mobilization efforts were impressive, featuring large buses transporting canvassers to often overlooked rural areas and busy urban hubs. They organized various events, including block parties, prayer breakfasts, and activities with national and local public figures.

“This is a time of shared sorrow and disappointment after dedicating extensive hours to organizing, motivating, educating, and inspiring people to believe in what is achievable,’’ Smooth commented.

Spotlighting Black Women on a National Level

While not a singular entity, Black women in voting contexts have reliably leaned towards Democratic candidates. Early exit polling indicates that this trend continued in the recent election, according to Smooth.

“The unwavering support that African American women consistently provide, and their remarkable ability to mobilize in large numbers for Democratic causes and for democracy is undeniable,” said Smooth. “When Black women commit to showing up, they follow through.”

Over the past year, organizations have actively campaigned at historically Black colleges throughout the South.

“This has been a challenging year for everyone, regardless of political beliefs,” stated Atkins. “Being in the spotlight isn’t always a pleasant experience; it invites scrutiny.”

“There are always unattainable expectations set upon Black women and women of color,” she added. “We are expected to not only represent ourselves but also uplift our families and communities, which often goes unrecognized.”

Atkins highlighted that Black women have been instrumental in supporting their communities during the pandemic and opposing what they term restrictive voting legislation, especially in states like Georgia. Yet, despite these laws, a significant number of individuals cast their votes during early voting.

According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, more than 4 million votes were submitted.

“We have to view this as a success,” stated Atkins. “Our focus is on participation.”

However, some were caught off guard by the Democratic defeat in Georgia.

“I truly believed Georgia would reflect a different outcome due to the mobilization efforts I observed on the ground, primarily led by Black women and women of color,” remarked Smooth.

She highlighted the strong support systems established during the previous midterm and presidential elections. “They have built an outstanding infrastructure … I have no doubts about the enthusiasm or the strategies implemented in states like Georgia specifically,” she noted. “These strategies have been tested in battleground scenarios.”

‘The world is paying attention’

It wasn’t until 3 a.m. on Wednesday that Deborah Scott awoke to the news that not only had Harris lost Georgia, but her national race as well.

As an activist, she mourned the loss of time, resources, and democratic integrity. She wept throughout the morning.

“I have shed tears for my daughter. I have cried for my yet-to-be-born granddaughter,” said Scott, the executive director of Georgia STAND-UP, a civic engagement group. “I cry for the youth who may not grasp the implications of this situation … because we don’t know how far back we might regress. But we also know that we have endured before, and we will continue to endure.”

On Election Day, the day before, Scott’s organization orchestrated a massive block party across from a polling place. It marked the culmination of numerous efforts aimed at mobilizing voters. For hours, hundreds gathered in a lot where food trucks served complimentary wings and ice cream. Attendees danced to music from a DJ and waved signs as passing cars honked in support.

“This could have been a crucial moment in our history, and the outcome might have been different,” Scott expressed. “We hoped this would be a moment when our country would truly confront its racism and move towards a healthier democracy. The world was watching.”

Historic Wins for Other Black Women

Even with Harris’ defeat, numerous Black women activists expressed excitement over the successful campaigns of other Black women. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, both Democrats, emerged victorious, marking the first instance of two Black women serving simultaneously in the Senate.

“I’m thrilled that amidst our losses, we have made history, providing Black women something to look forward to,” Scott stated.

Holli Holliday, president of Sisters Lead Sisters Vote, noted other victories from Black women, including Melesa Johnson, who became the Jackson County prosecutor in Missouri—the first Black woman to hold that position.

“This is definitely something to consider and build upon,” commented Holliday, whose organization conducts research on Black women seeking local and national offices.

According to Holliday, over 1,200 Black women across the nation ran in elections this year, with nearly 700 appearing on the general ballot. The final tally of winners is still pending, as results continue to flow in.

“Our first priority is to ensure the protection of these newly elected women while recognizing their roles have just become significantly more challenging in this tougher political climate,” said Holliday, as Republican gains in Congress were also noted.

She emphasized that these victories lay the groundwork for women to continue strengthening their political influence.

“Black women are solidifying their positions in political leadership through these wins,” Holliday remarked. “The encouraging aspect is that we leave this election cycle with a much strengthened infrastructure compared to what we had two years ago. We’re in far better shape than we were, even just a month ago.”

Grief Among Black Women Beyond Georgia

Harris’ defeat in Georgia was a disheartening surprise for Black women elsewhere as well.

“Georgia represented the Great Black Hope for Biden four years ago,” said Alicia Coulter from Los Angeles. “The respect we hold for Georgia because it is the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement … I just can’t wrap my head around it.”

Trump prevailed in Georgia with 50.7% compared to Harris’ 48.5%. “I truly thought Kamala could pull this off,” she commented.

Coulter, a mother of three college-aged daughters, initially believed that Harris, her fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sister, could secure victories in the “Blue Wall” states but saw her hopes swiftly diminish.

“I received a text from a sorority sister who was in disbelief over what we were witnessing. She told me, ‘We continually try to save them, and they just don’t listen,’” Coulter recounted.

In Las Vegas, Harris supporter Carolina Evans expressed dread after seeing the Electoral College map turn overwhelmingly red on her screen.

“I thought, ‘Oh my God, the entire country actually voted for him,’” said Evans, a mother of two adult sons and a grandmother of two. “It’s astonishing how quickly they forget how damaging he was, or perhaps they just don’t care and aren’t ready to embrace a woman, especially a Black woman, in leadership. I’m not sure how I’ll cope with this.”

Evans, a former nursing assistant, also expressed concerns regarding reproductive rights. She voted Harris has made a promise to safeguard these individuals.

Evans expressed her concern, stating, “It’s heartbreaking for all these women who are in their reproductive years. What options do they have?” She continued, “I supported Kamala to ensure a better future for my 12-year-old granddaughter. What kind of future awaits her as she matures into adulthood?”

‘We’re not going anywhere’

Atkins and her colleagues are planning to hold a virtual meeting on Friday to strategize their next steps. In the meantime, she intends to dedicate Wednesday to sending messages of appreciation to her partners and team for their hard work.

“Regarding the efforts we put in, I have zero regrets,” she remarked. “Everyone put in tremendous effort… I’m proud of that, but I want to explore alternative, more sustainable methods for future endeavors.”

Smooth anticipates there will be evaluations following the loss, particularly concerning their voter turnout initiatives.

However, she affirmed, “These organizations will persist. True to form, Black women’s groups will take action because that’s their history.”

Scott is set to gather with fellow activists in Georgia on Wednesday. She advised her team to take the day off for rest and self-reflection in order to regroup.

“What we are facing is more profound than it appears, so we’ll need to take time to understand what this signifies for our nation and our collective future,” she stated. “But we are still here. We are resilient.”