Stacey Abrams is headed to the Mecca.
Howard University released a statement this morning announcing that Abrams, an accomplished politician & author, will be joining Howard University as the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics. Abrams will start in the role in September 2023 and will work with individuals across Howard University on “critical issues of race and Black politics”. She will also inspire research efforts and encourage discussions on issues affecting the African diaspora as well as lead the Ronald W. Walters Speakers Series that will feature several distinguished guests. Abrams spoke about being appointed as chair and her previous association with Dr. Ronald Walters.
“I am honored to serve as the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics, having had the privilege of knowing and learning from Dr. Walters,” She said. “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.”
Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick also spoke about Abrams appointment, saying, “As the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair, Ms. Abrams’ selection not only honors the work and legacy of renowned political strategist and scholar Dr. Ronald Walters, it expands on that legacy by bringing Howard students in dialogue with a contemporary candidate whose work has directly influenced today’s political landscape.”
Stacey Abrams is a Spelman College alumna, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus in Political Science, Economics, and Sociology. After earning her Master’s from Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctorate from Yale University, she practiced tax law. She was then appointed as Deputy City Attorney for the city of Atlanta and served as a state representative in the Georgia General Assembly from 2007-2017. She served as minority leader for the Georgia House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.
Abrams then went on to run for Governor of Georgia in 2018, becoming the first African American woman to win a major party nomination for governor in the United States. She unfortunately lost to current governor Brian Kemp in 2018 and 2022.
Howard University’s statement on Abram’s appointment also gives more information on Dr. Ronald W. Walters. Their write-up is below.
“Ronald W. Walters, PhD, was an internationally renowned scholar, activist, and expert on issues affecting the African Diaspora until his death in 2010. The endowed chair was created in Walters’ namesake to continue his legacy of expanding the University’s capacity as a leader in emerging scholarship in Black politics. Howard University first announced the creation of the endowed chair position in 2020 when Patricia Turner Walters, Ronald Walter’s wife, gifted Howard University with the couple’s personal collection of African American art valued at more than $2.5 million. The Ronald W. and Patricia Turner Walters Collection is currently on display at the Howard University Gallery of Art.”
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