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Voting rights activist and former Georgia state representative Stacey Abrams (D) said on Wednesday that boycotting Georgian companies over their failure to condemn the controversial new state voting law was currently “not required”, although she suggested they may be required in the future.
In an editorial published by USA TodayGeorgia’s former Democratic gubernatorial candidate responded to growing calls from voters to boycott Georgia-based companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines after they failed to immediately condemn the sweeping bill on the vote signed last week.
The law places several restrictions on voting in the state, including requiring photo identification to submit postal ballots and limiting the number of ballot boxes.
Others called for major sporting events to be moved from Georgia to pressure state lawmakers to remove parts of the new law, while Hollywood actors and directors called on other actors to the entertainment industry to direct movies and other projects away from Peach State. .
Abrams wrote on Wednesday that “a Black, a Southerner, an American, I respect and defend the right to boycott – and the advancement of civil rights has relied heavily on economic boycotts.
“Until we hear clear and unequivocal statements that show Georgia-based companies understand what is at stake, I cannot dispute an individual’s choice to go for their competitors,” a- she added.
However, the founder of the voting rights group Fair Fight Action added, “A lesson to be learned from boycotts is that the pain of deprivation must be shared to be sustainable.”
“Otherwise, it is the less resilient who bear the brunt of these actions; and then they fight for victory, ”Abrams continued. “And boycotts are complicated affairs that require a long-term commitment to action.”
Abrams in a video posted on Twitter Wednesday made similar arguments, explaining that while she understood the boycott calls, “Black, Latino, AAPI [Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders] and Native American voters whose votes are most suppressed under SB 202 are also the most likely to be hurt by possible boycotts of Georgia.
VIDEO: Through the efforts of activists, organizers and allied organizations, we have blocked Republican GA lawmakers from passing on key items on their voter suppression wishlists. Now, business leaders must use their influence to show they support voters. #gapol pic.twitter.com/A3b0McaI1s
– Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) April 1, 2021
In his USA Today editorial, Abrams went on to say, “I have no doubt that voters of color, especially black voters, are prepared to endure the hardships of the boycott,” adding, “But I don’t think it is. necessary – again. “
Abrams argued that “the events and films that come to Georgia will speak out against the laws. And they will hire the targets of SB 202: young people, people of color and minimum wage workers who want to elect leaders to fight for their economic security.
“I ask you to bring your business to Georgia and, if you are already there, stay and fight,” she added. “Stay and vote.”
Abrams went on to offer suggestions for Georgian businesses to take substantive action to promote the right to vote, including encouraging businesses operating in other states considering similar laws to speak out before they are passed.
The voting rights activist also urged companies to use their voice to support federal voting rights legislation, as well as allocate money they would normally give to political candidates to ensure instead that poor and minority communities have access to the vote in Georgia.
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