Black Girl Magic Just Took Over Georgia: Keisha Lance Bottoms Makes History

Georgia, somebody straighten the peach, sweep the front steps, and make room in the governor’s mansion because Keisha Lance Bottoms is moving in.

The former Atlanta mayor defeated Republican Rick Jackson to become Georgia’s next governor. Her victory makes her the first woman to lead Georgia and the first Black woman to serve as governor anywhere in the United States.

Yes, anywhere in the entire country.

That is not just Black girl magic. That is Black girl history with a Georgia address.

Bottoms won approximately 54 percent of the vote after campaigning on affordable health care, education, housing, and lowering costs for Georgia families. She also became the first Democrat elected governor of Georgia since 1998.

During her victory speech, Bottoms promised to represent every Georgian, regardless of whom they supported. She reminded the crowd that people power can overcome even the biggest campaign spending advantage.

But the history behind this victory runs much deeper than election night.

Bottoms has spoken about being a fifth generation Georgian and a descendant of people who were enslaved in this state. Her grandfather once had to enter downtown Atlanta buildings through the back door. Generations later, his granddaughter became mayor of Atlanta and is now walking through the front door of the governor’s mansion.

Baby, that is what you call a family plot twist.

It is also a powerful reminder that progress may take its sweet time, miss a few exits, and stop for gas along the way, but it can still arrive.

Georgia voters did more than select a new governor. They helped break a barrier that had never been broken in any state in America. Black women have spent generations organizing communities, leading movements, protecting democracy, and making sure everybody else gets where they need to go.

This time, Georgia voters handed a Black woman the keys.

Now, we know what some of you are thinking. If Keisha Lance Bottoms can make history in Georgia, perhaps Michelle Obama can finally go ahead and run for president.

Sweethearts, we would love that too. We already have the campaign outfits planned, the group chat activated, and the imaginary inauguration invitation sitting in our cart.

Unfortunately, Michelle has made it very clear that she is not interested.

She has said no. She has said never. She has practically asked us to stop looking in her direction every election season.

So, for now, we will respect Michelle Obama’s peace, even if we do not like it.

Thankfully, Keisha Lance Bottoms has given us plenty to celebrate right here in Georgia. Her victory proves that leadership can look different, history can be rewritten, and little Black girls can now grow up seeing someone who looks like them holding the highest office in the state.

Governor elect Keisha Lance Bottoms will take office in January.

Georgia has officially entered a new chapter, and Black girl magic is no longer simply visiting the governor’s mansion.

It has the keys 🔑 💋