The women who will swing the election

Christina M. Tapper

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ZORA

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3 min readSep 24, 2020

ZORA Fam,

We show up — and show out — at the polls. In 2018, voter turnout among women of color increased 37% from the 2014 midterms. That helped elect lawmakers Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, the first Somali-American in Congress, and Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland, the first Native American women in Congress. The numbers of African American, Latino, and Asian American women have also increased on Capitol Hill.

We have power. The votes of women of color could flip the Senate, and yield another sweep of House Congressional races, as well as state, local, and down-ballot matches. This week, ZORA launched a week-long series, What’s At Stake, that examines the concerns that women of color hope presidential candidates address during this election cycle. Contributing writer Donna Owens spoke with community leaders, advocacy groups, activists, and lawmakers to get a deeper perspective on the issues in our communities and this year’s pivotal elections.

Dive into the series ASAP:

🗳️ The Political Power of Asian American Voters In 2020

🗳️ Latinas Could Change the 2020 Election

🗳️ Native American Voters Deserve to Have Their Voices Heard

🗳️ The Election Will Be Powered by Black Women

Take care,
Christina M. Tapper, ZORA deputy editor

If you want to add more political reads to your shelves…

…We recommend checking out these books from women about finding their place in the political world.

Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes and Black Women in America, by Melissa Harris Perry

Wondering what politics has to do with you? This offering from Melissa Harris-Perry explains how everything is political, especially when it comes to Black women, and asserts how we can take back control of our narrative.

Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change, by Stacey Abrams

Part memoir, part roadmap for the underrepresented, the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial nominee explores how ambition, failure, and fear intersect with leadership. Abrams is candid, clear, and encouraging in breaking down what it takes to become a game-changing leader.

This Is What America Looks Like: My Journey from Refugee to Congresswoman, by Ilhan Omar

Before she made history as one of the first Muslim women in Congress, Omar was a little girl fleeing war-torn Somali. Her story of resilience will inspire you to become the change you want to see in this country.

📚 Love to read? Join our virtual book club, hosted on Instagram. This month’s pick is Sing Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward. You can find the reading schedule here. 📚

Zero to 💯

Who kept it 100 this week? Let’s take a look.

Zendaya makes history at the Emmys: 💯/💯
On Sunday, Zendaya became the youngest person ever to win an Emmy for lead actress in a drama for her emotional role in Euphoria. She also made us cheer over her gorgeous gowns for the Emmys at home.

Megan Thee Stallion named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People: 💯/💯
Megan Thee Stallion looks stunning on the cover of Time. The cover story, written by Taraji P. Henson, reveals the many layers to one of our favorite rappers. Naomi Osaka, Michaela Cole, Gabrielle Union and more of our faves also made the 100 list.

Lizzo nominated for 11 Billboard Music Awards: 💯/💯
We’re feeling “good as hell” about Lizzo’s chances of walking away with at least one Billboard music award. The singer secured nominations for Top New Artist, Top Female Artist, Top Hot 100 Song, and more.

AOC’s helps troll in need of spelling assistance: 💯/💯
Don’t come for AOC, unless you want to get embarrassed. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia house rep nominee tried to insult AOC, whom Greene says “single handily put an end to all ‘dumb blonde’ jokes.” AOC replied: “try ‘single-handedly,’ it’ll work better.”

Wells Fargo CEO’s comments about workplace diversity: 🚮/💯
When pressed about the lack of diversity within the company, Charles Scharf said that “there’s a very limited pool of Black talent to recruit from.” It’s an excuse heard before from corporate America and frankly, we’re tired of it. Do better.